Question

Which one of the following will most readily by dehydrated in acidic conditions?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

a. It is $\beta$-keto alcohol, which is easily dehydrated
d. $\beta$-Hydroxy aldehyde or ketones readily undergo dehydration giving $\alpha ,\beta$-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, due to the easy loss of acidic $H$ atom at $\alpha -C$ atom. The acidic nature of $H$ atom at $\alpha -C$ atom is due to the presence of an $\bar{e}$-withdrawing carbonyl group