What is a stepwise mechanism for the hydroxide ion base catalyzed tautomerization of acetone to the enol form?
1 Answer
Sep 22, 2016
Explanation:
Acetones can form equilibrium quantities of the enol:
Of course, the equilibrium lies to the left as written, but given a strong base, the enolic hydrogen may be deporotonated to form the enolate:
The enolate is itself in equilibrium with the carbanion:
And the carbanion is used to make