Why in this the nonbonding electrons of N group does not attack C2 as I think it is more electropositive ?
Then how pyruvic acid is converted to alanine.
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Sign up to join this communityWhy in this the nonbonding electrons of N group does not attack C2 as I think it is more electropositive ?
Then how pyruvic acid is converted to alanine.
The keto group is more reactive compared to the ester group due to the mesomeric effect (+M effect) caused by the hydroxyl group in the ester functionality, as already pointed out by orthocresol. See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonyl_reduction. Generally: $$ \mathrm{acylchloride} > \mathrm{anhydride} > \mathrm{aldehyde} > \mathrm{ketone} > \mathrm{ester} \approx \mathrm{carboxyl} > \mathrm{amide} $$
A very detailed discussion on the subject is given for example in Warren Organic Synthesis: Strategy and Control or in Francis A. Carey Advanced Organic Chemistry - Part A.