Acetaldehyde reacts with

Options

A. only electrophiles
B. only nucleophiles
C. only free radicals
D. both electrophiles and nucleophiles

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the reactivity of acetaldehyde, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde has the chemical formula CH₃CHO. It consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to a methyl group (CH₃) and a hydrogen atom (H). The structure can be represented as follows:

```
H
|
CH₃-C=O
```

### Step 2: Identify the Nature of the Carbonyl Carbon
In the carbonyl group, the carbon atom is partially positive due to the electronegativity difference between carbon and oxygen. This polarization makes the carbonyl carbon susceptible to attack by nucleophiles, which are species that donate an electron pair.

### Step 3: Determine the Types of Reactants
1. **Electrophiles**: These are electron-deficient species that seek electrons.
2. **Nucleophiles**: These are electron-rich species that donate electrons.

Since the carbonyl carbon in acetaldehyde is partially positive, it acts as an electrophile and can be attacked by nucleophiles.

### Step 4: Analyze the Reaction Mechanism
When a nucleophile approaches the carbonyl carbon, it attacks the carbon, leading to the formation of an intermediate. This process is known as nucleophilic addition. The general reaction can be summarized as:

1. Nucleophile attacks the carbonyl carbon.
2. The double bond between carbon and oxygen breaks, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate.
3. A proton (H⁺) can then be added to the oxygen atom, resulting in the final product.

### Step 5: Conclusion on Reactivity
Given the nature of acetaldehyde and its carbonyl group, we conclude that acetaldehyde primarily reacts with nucleophiles. Therefore, the answer to the question is:

**Acetaldehyde reacts with only nucleophiles.**