Nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group

In an addition reaction in organic chemistry, two or more molecules are joined together. This follows the scheme A + B → C. A distinction is made between a nucleophilic and an electrophilic addition reaction. The term nucleophilic or electrophilic refers to the molecule or atom that attacks the carbon chain.

Nucleophilic addition can take place on carbonyls, e.g. acetone. Nucleophiles destroy the carbonyl bond in the process. In this experiment, the students will carry out a nucleophilic addition reaction on acetone themselves and learn about the general characteristics of a nucleophilic addition.