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The increasing order of the reactivity of the following compounds in nucleophilic addition reaction is: Propanal, Benzaldehyde, Propanone, Butanone

1. Butanone < Propanone < Benzaldehyde < Propanal
2. Propanal < Propanone < Butanone < Benzaldehyde
3. Benzaldehyde < Propanal < Propanone < Butanone
4. Benzaldehyde < Butanone < Propanone < Propanal

Correct answer: Benzaldehyde < Butanone < Propanone < Propanal

Solution

Reactivity to nucleophilic addition: aldehydes > ketones, and more/larger alkyl groups (steric + +I) reduce it; benzaldehyde is least reactive due to ring conjugation. Increasing order: Benzaldehyde < Butanone < Propanone < Propanal.

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