Keto Enol Tautomerism
Is the term keto enol tautomerism familiar to you? If not, give attention to the ensuing discussion. Organic chemistry would be of no value if not for multiple bonds and functional groups. Such groups impart the reactivity needed to sustain life. One attachment is carbonyl (–C=O). Tautomerism Given the right environment, atoms of a carbonyl group tautomerize. That is, they can exchange a proton (hydrogen). In so doing a π-bond is formed or disappears. The carbonyl or keto form assumes the alkene-alcohol or enol form, or vice versa. For acetone, the two forms are, CH3–(C=O)–CH3 keto form CH2=C(OH)–CH3 enol form See the image above. [sc name="MidArticleAdsense"] Both Aldehydes and Ketones Participate A ketone has its carbonyl carbon atom linked to two other carbon atoms. An aldehyde has its carbonyl carbon…