For the reaction shown, which of the compounds listed would be the expected enol intermediate?
A) I
B) II
C) III
D) IV
E) V

Question

For the reaction shown, which of the compounds listed would be the expected enol intermediate?  
A) I 
B) II 
C) III 
D) IV 
E) V

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The enol intermediate is formed when the carbonyl group of the ketone reacts with a base to form a double bond with the alpha-carbon. In this case, the base is likely the hydroxide ion (OH-), which can abstract a proton from the alpha-carbon of the ketone. The resulting enol intermediate has a double bond between the alpha-carbon and the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group. Among the given options, only compound I has a hydroxyl group attached to the alpha-carbon, making it the expected enol intermediate.

For the Reaction Shown, Which of the Compounds Listed Would