JAMB Chemistry 1992 Question 47

Question 47

Alkanals and Alkanones

The characteristic reaction of carbonyl compounds is

  1. A.substitution
  2. B.elimination
  3. C.addition
  4. D.saponification.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (addition)

Explanation

The C=O double bond in aldehydes and ketones is polar, so reagents such as HCN and NaHSO3 add across it: nucleophilic addition.