Is an aldehyde polar? What occurs when it reacts with methyl magnesium chloride?

2 Answers
anor277
Apr 18, 2016

The carbonyl bond is polar in that there is charge separation.

Explanation:

Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, and polarizes electron density towards itself. A representation of the carbonyl bond as #-""^(delta+)C=O""^(delta-)# is reasonable, and this certainly accounts for the reactivity in say a Grignard reaction, i.e:

#R^(-)""^(+)MgX + R'C(=O)H rarr R'RC(-O^-)(MgX)^+#, in which a carbanionic reagent reacts with the carbonyl to effect #C-C# bond formation.

anor277
Apr 18, 2016

The carbonyl bond is polar in that there is charge separation.

Explanation:

Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, and polarizes electron density towards itself. A representation of the carbonyl bond as #-""^(delta+)C=O""^(delta-)# is reasonable, and this certainly accounts for the reactivity in say a Grignard reaction, i.e:

#R^(-)""^(+)MgX + R'C(=O)H rarr R'RC(-O^-)(MgX)^+#, in which a carbanionic reagent reacts with the carbonyl to effect #C-C# bond formation.

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