Which of the following classes of carboxylic acids is structurally unique because it undergoes spont β Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question
Question
Which of the following classes of carboxylic acids is structurally unique because it undergoes spontaneous decarboxylation upon simple mild heating?
Answer: B
π‘ Solution & Explanation
$\beta$-keto acids decarboxylate readily upon mild heating because the $\beta$-carbonyl oxygen allows for a highly stable, concerted 6-membered cyclic transition state to release $CO_2$.
π¬Ask on WhatsApp β
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp β gets answered in minutes