Aldehydes vs Ketones: Reactivity and Selectivity: Mechanism + Exam Traps

Why aldehydes are generally more reactive than ketones toward nucleophilic addition: sterics, electronics, and common selectivity consequences.

  • Reaction: Aldehydes vs Ketones: Reactivity and Selectivity
  • What it does: Why aldehydes are generally more reactive than ketones toward nucleophilic addition: sterics, electronics, and common selectivity consequences.
  • Typical reagents: NaBH4 (same conditions)
  • Key intermediate: Varies / context-dependent
  • Driving force: Formation of more stable bonds / products
  • Exam type: Predict major product
  • Exam type: Mechanism choice

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