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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
Electrophilic addition
B
Nucleophilic addition
C
Nucleophilic substitution
D
Elimination reaction
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 a nucleophile in organic reactions. A nucleophile is a species that donates an electron pair to an electrophile to form a chemical bond.
Recognize that in a nucleophilic addition reaction, the nucleophile attacks the electrophilic carbon atom of the carbonyl group, breaking the pi bond of the C=O and forming a new sigma bond.
After the nucleophile adds to the carbonyl carbon, the oxygen atom typically gains a negative charge, which can be stabilized by protonation, resulting in the formation of an alcohol.
Differentiate this reaction from other types such as electrophilic addition, nucleophilic substitution, and elimination reactions, which involve different mechanisms and outcomes.