Question

Which of these bonds to carbon would you expect to be relatively reactive: $\mathbf{C}\mathbf{-}\mathbf{H}\mathbf{,}\mathbf{C}\mathbf{-}\mathbf{C}\mathbf{,}\mathbf{C}\mathbf{-}\mathbf{I}\mathbf{,}\mathbf{C}\mathbf{=}\mathbf{O}\mathbf{,}\mathbf{C}\mathbf{-}\mathbf{Li}$? Explain.

Short answer

The answer is,

C=O

Step-by-step solution

 Carbon

Carbon is a tetravalent atom capable of bonding covalent bonds with metals and non-metals. The carbon atom usually forms a covalent bond and also ionic bonds. The oxidation state of carbon varies from -4 to+4.

Explanation

The C=O bond is relatively more reactive than C-H, C-C, C-I, and C-Li bonds. The double bonds are more strong compared to the single bonds. This is because of the availability of pi orbitals for bonding. The nuclei do not tightly hold the electrons in the pi bonding orbitals compared to the single-bonded electrons.