Use both structural and electronic factors to explain in detail why aldehydes are more electrophilic....

Question

than ketones

Answer 1

The aldehydic group is less sterically hindered compared to the ketone. This is obvious as where there is the (bulkier) alkyl group attached to one side of the carbonyl carbon in ketones, in aldehydes only H is attached to that side of the carbon. Hence, the carbonyl carbon which is responsible for the electrophilic behaviour of the aldehyde/ketone is able to easily attack in aldehydes.

Moreover, in ketones, the alkyl groups show +I effect and hence increase the electronic charge on the electron deficient carbon, thus reducing its electrophilic nature. In aldehydes, the H does not show any such effect.