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Multiple Choice
Which type of reaction involves the addition of a nucleophile to a carbonyl group, resulting in the formation of an alcohol?
A
Nucleophilic addition
B
Nucleophilic substitution
C
Elimination reaction
D
Electrophilic addition
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the functional group involved in the reaction. In this case, it is a carbonyl group, which is characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O).
Understand the role of the nucleophile in the reaction. A nucleophile is a species that donates an electron pair to form a chemical bond. In this context, it will attack the electrophilic carbon in the carbonyl group.
Recognize the type of reaction. Nucleophilic addition involves the nucleophile adding to the carbonyl carbon, breaking the double bond and forming a new single bond, resulting in an alkoxide intermediate.
Consider the final product of the reaction. The alkoxide intermediate is typically protonated to form an alcohol, which is the characteristic product of nucleophilic addition to a carbonyl group.
Differentiate this reaction from other types such as nucleophilic substitution, elimination, and electrophilic addition, which involve different mechanisms and outcomes. Nucleophilic addition specifically results in the formation of an alcohol from a carbonyl compound.