The order of reactivity of phenyl magnesium bromide with the following compounds is

Options

A. `II gt III gt I`
B. `I gt III gt II`
C. `II gt I gt III`
D. All these react with the same rate

Answer

C

Explanation

Aldehydes are more electrophilic than ketones because the two alkyl groups (due to their +I effect) reduce electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon more effectively than aldehydes.

In figure III, due to the presence of two phenyl groups (bulky group), its reactivity is further reduced.