Within each set of structures, indicate which will react fastest, and which slowest, toward nucleophilic addition in basic conditions.

(a)

(b)

(c)

It involves the addition of a reagent across a multiple bond by the attack of a nucleophile at the electrophilic end of the multiple bond.

(a)

Second compound (shown in red) will react fastest toward nucleophilic addition reactions since aldehydes are considered to be more electrophilic than the ketones. First compound (shown in blue) will react slowest toward nucleophilic addition reactions because it has a electron donor phenyl group at alpha position.

(b)

Second compound (shown in red) will react fastest toward nucleophilic addition reactions since aldehydes are considered to be more electrophilic than the ketones. Fourth compound (shown in blue) will react slowest toward nucleophilic addition reactions because it has a electron donor phenyl group at alpha position.

(c)

First compound (shown in red) will react fastest toward nucleophilic addition reactions since it has two electron withdrawing groups at the alpha position.Third compound (shown in blue) will react slowest toward nucleophilic addition reactions.