Final answer:
The reactivity of carbonyl-containing compounds towards nucleophiles decreases in the order: Aldehydes, ketones, esters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is C) Aldehydes, ketones, esters.
Carbonyl-containing compounds react with nucleophiles in nucleophilic addition reactions. The reactivity of these compounds is determined by the electron density on the carbonyl carbon atom. Aldehydes have the highest reactivity due to the presence of a hydrogen atom on the carbonyl carbon, which increases the electron density. Ketones have lower reactivity because they have two alkyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon, which decreases the electron density. Esters have the lowest reactivity because they have two alkyl groups and an electron-withdrawing oxygen atom attached to the carbonyl carbon, further decreasing the electron density.
For example, in the case of aldehydes, nucleophiles can attack the carbonyl carbon, leading to the formation of a new bond with the nucleophile and the release of a leaving group. This type of reaction is called nucleophilic addition. In ketones and esters, nucleophilic addition reactions are also possible, but they occur at a slower rate compared to aldehydes due to the electron-withdrawing effects of the alkyl groups and additional oxygen atom in esters.