Question

A strong base can abstract an $\alpha$-hydrogen from

• A. alkene
• B. amine
• C. ketone
• D. alkane

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Since the carbonyl carbon is electron deficient, so most susceptible to attack by nucleophilic reagents or base. A base increases the acidity of hydrogen atom attached to the $\alpha -C$ of the ketones or aldehydes.
That- why $\alpha$-hydrogen is easily abstracted from ketones by a base, e.g. in aldol condensation reaction, $\alpha$-hydrogen atom of aldehyde or ketone is abstracted by a strong base.