Nucleophilic Addition in carbonyls Flashcards
1
Q
Why do carbonyls undergo nucleophilic addition?
A
- C=O group is polarised (there is a dipole)
- Oxygen atom more electronegative than carbon, drawing electron density towards Oxygen
- Carbon atom slightly positive
- Carbon atom is therefore susceptible to nucleophilic attach like from cyanide ions
2
Q
Why is the nucleophilic addition of hydrogen cyanide to carbonyl compounds important? How is it named?
A
Adds a carbon atom to the chain, increasing the chain length.
Nitrile group takes priority, so suffix ‘nitrile’ is used.
Hydroxyl group is not priority so ‘hydroxy’ prefix is used.
Eg. Notes diagram is hydroxyethanitrile
3
Q
Nucleophilic Addition Mechanism with an Aldehyde
A
4
Q
Nucleophilic Addition Mechanism with a ketone
A
5
Q
Nucleophilic addition of HCN to carbonyl compounds
A
