Which atom in the following molecule is most reactive to nucleophiles?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The carbonyl carbon in the molecule is the most susceptible to nucleophilic attack. Since the carbonyl carbon in CHO is more electronegative than the carbonyl carbon in COCH3, the oxygen atom in CHO draws more electron density towards itself, thereby making the carbon more electrophilic (electron-loving). Therefore, the carbonyl carbon in COCH3 is less electrophilic and less reactive to nucleophiles than the carbonyl carbon in CHO. Out of the two carbonyl carbons in CHO, the carbon attached to the OH group is more electrophilic as it also has the partial positive charge of the oxygen atom added to its own partial positive charge. As such, the correct choice is B.

Which Atom in the Following Molecule Is Most Reactive to Nucleophiles