Chapter 23, Problem 23.33P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason as to why the equilibrium mixture of pentane-2, 4-dione tautomers contains $76\%$ of the enol forms and an equilibrium mixture of ethyl

acetoacetate tautomers contains only $8\%$ of the enol forms is to be stated.

Concept introduction:.Tautomers are isomers which differ only in the position of the hydrogen and electrons of the electronegative atom, generally oxygen. There is no change in the carbon skeleton of the compound. This phenomenon which involves simple proton transfer in an intramolecular fashion is known as tautomerism.The very common example of tautomerism is Keto-enol tautomerism. It can be acid or base catalysed.

The very common example of tautomerism is Keto-enol tautomerism. It can be acid or base catalyzed.