Concept:The reactivity of a functional group is dictated by its polarization. The carbonyl group (\( C=O \)) has a highly polarized double bond.
Solution:- Due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, the carbonyl carbon bears a partial positive charge (\( \delta^+ \)), making it an electrophilic center.
- Nucleophiles (electron-rich species) are attracted to this carbon and attack it, breaking the \( \pi \) bond.
- Since two molecules combine into one without losing any atoms, it is an addition reaction.
- Therefore, the characteristic reaction is a Nucleophilic addition reaction.
Why other options are incorrect:Electrophilic addition is typical of alkenes (\( C=C \)). Substitution reactions require a good leaving group, which aldehydes and ketones lack (unlike acyl chlorides or esters).
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