Which of the following is the first step in the acid catalyzed formation of an acetal?
A) A proton is added to the carbonyl oxygen, giving a resonance-stabilized cation.
B) An electrophile and a nucleophile react to form a new covalent bond.
C) A proton is transferred from one oxygen to another oxygen.
D) A tertiary carbocation is formed by breaking the bond between a hydroxyl group and a carbon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first step in the acid-catalyzed formation of an acetal involves protonation of the carbonyl oxygen, which increases the electrophilic character of the carbonyl carbon, making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack. This step creates a resonance-stabilized cation where the positive charge can be delocalized onto the oxygen, making the process energetically favorable.

Which of the Following Is the First Step in the Acid