Regions of Reactivity

There are three regions of reactivity for both Aldehydes and Ketones: the electron donating oxygen, the electron withdrawing carbon, and the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group (labeled "alpha"). This module will only address the oxygen and electron withdrawing carbon areas of reactivity. 

Carbonyl Group Resonance Structures

Resonance structure is defined as any of two or more possible structures of the same compound that have identical geometry but different arrangements of their paired electrons; none of the structures have physical reality or adequately account for the properties of the compound. Examination of the resonance structures of the carbonyl group clearly shows its polar nature, and highlights the areas for either electrophilic or nucleophilic attack in the addition reaction.

Ionic Addition to Carbonyl Group

As a result of the dipole shown in the resonance structures, polar reagents such as LiAlH₄ and NaBH₄ (hydride reagents) or R'MgX (Grignard reagent) will reduce the carbonyl groups, and ultimately convert unsaturated aldehydes and ketones into unsaturated alcohols. Since these reagents are extremely basic, their addition reactions are irreversible.

There are, however, addition reactions with less basic nucleophiles such as water, thiols, and amines that are capable of establishing equilibria or reversible reactions. These less basic reagents can react with the carbonyl group via two pathways: nucleophilic addition-protonation and electrophilic addition-protonation.

Nucleophilic Addition-Protonation

Under neutral or basic conditions, nucleophilic attack of the electrophilic carbon takes place. As the nucleophile approaches the electrophilic carbon, two valence electrons from the nucleophile form a covalent bond to the carbon. As this occurs, the electron pair from the pie bond transfers completely over to the oxygen which produces the intermediate alkoxide ion. This alkoxide ion, with a negative charge on oxygen is susceptible to protonation from a protic solvent like water or alcohol, giving the final addition reaction.

Electrophilic Addition-Protonation

Under acidic conditions, electrophilic attack of the carbonyl oxygen takes place. Initially, protonation of the carbonyl group at the oxygen takes place because of excess H+ all around. Once protonation has occurred, nucleophilic attack by the nucleophile finishes the addition reaction. It should be noted that electrophilic attack is extremely unlikely, however, a few carbonyl groups do become protonated initially to initiate addition through electrophilic attack. This type of reaction works best when the reagent being used is a very mildly basic nucleophile.

Outside links

• http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genche.../carbonyl.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonyl#Reactivity

References

1. Vollhardt, K. P.C. & Shore, N. (2007). Organic Chemistry (5^th Ed.).  New York: W. H. Freeman. p. 775-777
2. Otera, Junzo, ed. Modern Carbonyl Chemistry. Weinheim; Chichester: Wiley-VCH, 2000.

Problems

1. What is the best reagent to do the following conversion?

a.) H₂/Ni

b.) Hg(OAc)₂, H₃O⁺

c.) 1. BH₃, THF  & 2.H₂O₂, NaOH

d.) NaBH₄, THF

2. What is the Product of this reaction?

3. What is the Product of this reaction?

4. What is the Product of this reaction?

5. What is the product of this reaction?

Answers:

1. D

2.

3.

4.

5.

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