In the mechanism of the haloform reaction of a methyl ketone, what acts as the exceptionally stable — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

After exhaustive $\alpha$ -halogenation, the $C-C$ bond is cleaved by nucleophilic attack of $OH^-$. The trihalomethyl carbanion ($CX_3^-$) is a stable leaving group because three halogens intensely stabilize the negative charge via -I effect.