Video Summary

Aldehydes, characterized by the -CHO group, are highly reactive due to the polarized carbonyl group. Nucleophilic addition is a key reaction type. The carbonyl carbon, slightly positive, readily accepts nucleophiles (electron-rich species). This often leads to the formation of tetrahedral intermediates. Water, alcohols, and amines readily add to aldehydes, sometimes requiring acidic or basic catalysis. Oxidation is another important reaction; aldehydes are easily oxidized to carboxylic acids by various oxidizing agents like Tollens' reagent (silver mirror test) or Fehling's solution. Reduction converts aldehydes to primary alcohols using reducing agents like sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum hydride. Aldehydes also undergo condensation reactions, including aldol condensation, where two aldehyde molecules react to form a β-hydroxy aldehyde.