-keto acids readily undergo decarboxylation upon mild heating to yield ketones. What is the structural nature of the transition state during this decarboxylation process?

Question

$\beta$ -keto acids readily undergo decarboxylation upon mild heating to yield ketones. What is the structural nature of the transition state during this decarboxylation process?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. The decarboxylation of -keto acids proceeds via a concerted, 6-membered cyclic transition state involving the transfer of the acidic proton to the carbonyl oxygen, forming an enol intermediate that tautomerizes to the final ketone.

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