Why three hydroxyl groups cannot stay together with a carbon atom but it forms ketone? Is it because of steric?
1 Answer
May 17, 2018
No, it is more because of bond energies.
Explanation:
A gem-diol is part of an equilibrium. For example,
Consider the bonds broken and formed in the acetone equilibrium.
We are breaking two
We are also breaking a
The energy difference is
The reaction is exothermic, so it is energetically more profitable for the diol to dehydrate.
Thus, the position of equilibrium lies to the right because a