Aldehydes and ketones are converted into alkenes by means of a direct nucleophilic addition called the Wittig reaction. a. True
b. False

The given statement- Aldehydes and ketones are converted into alkenes by means of a direct nucleophilic addition called the Wittig reaction, is True.

Explanation:

The Wittig reaction converts aldehydes and ketones into alkenes through a simple nucleophilic addition. A triphenylphosphorine ylide, also known as a phosphorane, reacts with an aldehyde/ketone to produce an oxaphosphetane, a four-membered cyclic intermediate. Instead of being isolated, the oxaphosphetane decomposes spontaneously to release triphenylphosphine oxide and an alkene.

In an SN2 reaction, triphenylphosphine, a good nucleophile, reacts with a primary alkyl halide, followed by deprotonation of the carbon with a solid base, such as butyllithium, to form the ylide. In the product alkene, the carbonyl carbon and the carbon initially bound to the halogen become two carbons with a double bond.

The Wittig reaction's true worth lies in its ability to produce an alkene with a predictable structure, as the C=C bond forms exactly where the C=O bond did in the reactant, with no isomers (other than E/Z isomers) forming.

Hence , the correct option is (A) True.

the answer is b because, investigating whether another species of moth also drinks tears might be interesting, but it would not directly explain why this species of moth does.

to explain why this species of moth drinks tears, the scientist could ask: "what nutrients that moths need are in elephant tears? "

the scientist could experiment with moth repellent or oter ways to keep the moths away, but that would not answer his original question.