Why is the enolate of acetone less basic than the allyl anion derived from propene?
A)Because there are more atoms in acetone
B)Because there are more resonance structures for the enolate of acetone
C)It isn't; the allyl anion is less basic.
D)One of the resonance structures for the enolate places the negative charge on the more electronegative oxygen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resonance structure for the enolate of acetone that has the negative charge on the oxygen atom is more stable than the corresponding resonance structure for the allyl anion derived from propene, where a negative charge is on a carbon atom. This makes the enolate of acetone less basic than the allyl anion. The number of atoms or resonance structures is not a determining factor in this case.

Why Is the Enolate of Acetone Less Basic Than the Allyl