JEE Main Chemistry question

The products obtained in the reaction, CH₃CH₂–CO–CH(CH₃)–COOH --Δ--> are

(A)CH₃–CO–CH=CH₂... + H₂O (unrelated elimination product)
(B)CH₃CH₂–CO–CH₂CH₃ + CO₂Correct
(C)CH₃CH₂–CO–CH(CH₃)–CHO + CO
(D)None of the above

Answer: (B)

Solution

This is a β-keto acid (the carboxyl and the ketone carbonyl are separated by just one carbon), which readily undergoes thermal decarboxylation via a cyclic six-membered transition state, losing CO₂ and forming the enol of the corresponding ketone, which

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Question ID VK-149462