Question

Explain why the C―Ha bond is much more acidic than the C―Hb bond in pentan-2-one. Select the single best answer. 253 Ha is less acidic than Hb because loss of Hb forms a resonance-stabilized conjugate base. Ha is more acidic than Hb because loss of Ha forms a resonance-stabilized conjugate base. Ha is more acidic than Hb because loss of Hb forms a resonance-stabilized conjugate base. Ha is less acidic than Hb because loss of Ha forms a resonance-stabilized conjugate base.

Answer 1

Answer:

Ha is more acidic than Hb because loss of Ha forms a resonance-stabilized conjugate base.

Explanation:

The carbon atom that is next to the carbonyl group in pentan-2-one is known as the alpha carbon atom, this carbon atom bears the Ha, the alpha hydrogen atoms.

Ha is more acidic than Hb because, loss of Ha leads to the formation of a resonance stabilized enolate ion. This resonance stabilization of the ion formed makes loss of Ha an easier process than loss of Hb, hence the answer above.