Chapter 17.17, Problem 38P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given compounds will decarboxylate or not when heated has to be explained.

Concept introduction: The ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ group is attached to a carbon that is adjacent to a carbon, the ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ group can be removed because the electrons left behind can be delocalized onto the carbonyl oxygen.

Carboxylate ion with a carbonyl group at the 3-position loses ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ when they are heated. Loss of ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ from a molecule is called decarboxylation.