
The mechanism of -keto acid decarboxylation is shown below: Heating of a single enantiomer of a -keto acid (1) will afford a decarboxylated product that is:
A. a single monomer
B. diastereomer
C. achiral
D. racemic

Answer
489.9k+ views
Hint: For this problem, we have to study the mechanism of decarboxylation as shown in the question carefully. With the help of this mechanism, we can find the product which will be formed after the decarboxylation of the enantiomer of a -keto acid.
Complete step by step answer:
- in the given question, we have to find the correct product which will be formed by the decarboxylation of the enantiomer of a -keto acid.
- As we know that decarboxylation is the process of removal of carboxylic acid from the reactant.
- So, as we can see that firstly the double bond of oxygen with the main chain breaks and attaches the hydrogen from the carboxylic group with it to form an alcohol group.
- Meanwhile, the carbon in -COOH also breaks the bond between carbon in the main chain and separates as a carbon dioxide gas.
- Due to which the double bond is formed between 2 and 3 carbon and the product formed is known as but - 2 - ene - 3 - ol.
- Now, in the second reaction, the same mechanism will take place in which the double bond of oxygen with the main chain breaks and attaches the hydrogen from the carboxylic group with it to form an alcohol group.
- And similarly then the carbon in -COOH also breaks the bond between carbon in the main chain and separates as a carbon dioxide gas as shown below:
- So, here the product formed is racemic because it consists of the two enantiomers one in the enol form and one in ketone form.
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.
Note: In the given problem, enantiomers are considered as chiral molecules which have a mirror image of one another. Whereas chiral molecules are those molecules which cannot be superimposed on each other.
Complete step by step answer:
- in the given question, we have to find the correct product which will be formed by the decarboxylation of the enantiomer of a
- As we know that decarboxylation is the process of removal of carboxylic acid from the reactant.
- So, as we can see that firstly the double bond of oxygen with the main chain breaks and attaches the hydrogen from the carboxylic group with it to form an alcohol group.
- Meanwhile, the carbon in -COOH also breaks the bond between carbon in the main chain and separates as a carbon dioxide gas.
- Due to which the double bond is formed between 2 and 3 carbon and the product formed is known as but - 2 - ene - 3 - ol.
- Now, in the second reaction, the same mechanism will take place in which the double bond of oxygen with the main chain breaks and attaches the hydrogen from the carboxylic group with it to form an alcohol group.
- And similarly then the carbon in -COOH also breaks the bond between carbon in the main chain and separates as a carbon dioxide gas as shown below:

- So, here the product formed is racemic because it consists of the two enantiomers one in the enol form and one in ketone form.
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.
Note: In the given problem, enantiomers are considered as chiral molecules which have a mirror image of one another. Whereas chiral molecules are those molecules which cannot be superimposed on each other.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹41,848 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Chemistry: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 12 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Express the following as a fraction and simplify a class 7 maths CBSE

Trending doubts
Give 10 examples of unisexual and bisexual flowers

Draw a labelled sketch of the human eye class 12 physics CBSE

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry CBSE

Differentiate between insitu conservation and exsitu class 12 biology CBSE

What are the major means of transport Explain each class 12 social science CBSE

Franz thinks Will they make them sing in German even class 12 english CBSE
