Chapter 18, Problem 18.48P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The mechanism for the given reaction is to be provided.

Concept introduction:

Carbonyl carbon is electrophilic in nature due to the electronegativity difference between the carbonyl carbon and oxygen. Since water is amphoteric in nature, it can act as acid as well as a base depending on availability and the reaction condition. The nucleophile adds the electrophilic carbon of the carbonyl group through nucleophilic addition. The reaction follows a different mechanism for acid and base catalyst. When the reaction is catalyzed by the acid, the first step of the reaction is always protonation of the carbonyl oxygen, which increases the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon. For a base-catalyzed reaction, the first step is the deprotonation of the nucleophilic species to form the anion which helps to enhance the nucleophilic character.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The mechanism for the given reaction is to be provided.

Concept introduction:

The carbonyl carbon is electrophilic in nature due to the electronegativity difference between the carbonyl carbon and oxygen. The nucleophile adds the electrophilic carbon of the carbonyl group. The reaction follows a different mechanism for acid and base catalyst. When the reaction is catalyzed by the acid, the first step of the reaction is always protonation of the carbonyl oxygen, which increases the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon. For a base-catalyzed reaction, the first step is the deprotonation of the nucleophilic species to form the anion which helps to enhance the nucleophilic character.