The characteristics reaction of carbonyl compounds is?
Answer Details
The characteristic reaction of carbonyl compounds is addition. Carbonyl compounds have a C=O functional group, which is a polar group that attracts nucleophiles (electron-rich species). This makes the carbonyl carbon atom electrophilic (electron-poor), and it readily undergoes addition reactions with nucleophiles. The addition reaction occurs by the nucleophile attacking the electrophilic carbon, resulting in the formation of a new bond and breaking of the C=O double bond. Examples of addition reactions of carbonyl compounds include nucleophilic addition of alcohols to form hemiacetals or acetals, nucleophilic addition of amines to form imines or enamines, and nucleophilic addition of Grignard reagents to form alcohols.