Which of the following classes of carboxylic acids is structurally unique because it undergoes spont — 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
💡 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 $CO_2$.
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