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MolSynapse / Question bank / Organic Reaction Mechanisms I: Nucleophiles and Carbonyl Addition / Electrophiles, nucleophiles, nucleophilicity and leaving groups
JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o1016

Which carbonyl carbon is the most electrophilic?

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D

Answer: B

Electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon falls as the substituent donates electrons by resonance. Cl is strongly inductively withdrawing and its poor - overlap gives little donation. The ester and amide oxygen and nitrogen donate lone pairs, and the carboxylate carries a negative charge, so these carbons are less electrophilic.
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