Carbonyl Compounds

ii. Electronic effect:
This electronic effect is due to positive charge(+) on the carbonyl group. Greater the +ve charge then greater is the reactivity.
In ketones the +ve charge on the carbonyl group is reduced because of the two alkyl groups, when compared with aldehydes.
Therefore, ketones are less reactive than aldehydes.

iii. Steric effect:
This steric effect is due to the number and size of alkyl groups. As the number and size of alkyl group increases the attack
of a nucleophile decreases and the reactivity decreases. In aldehydes only one alkyl group is present, whereas in ketones
two alkyl groups are present.

Uses:
In chemical industry aldehydes and ketones are used as solvents, starting materials and reagents for the synthesis of other
products.

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