Which of the following has highly acidic hydrogen?
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)
(D)(see structure)✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
The most acidic hydrogen is the one flanked by two carbonyl groups (option 4, a β-diketone-type active methylene). Removing this proton gives a carbanion whose negative charge is delocalized by resonance onto both adjacent C=O groups, which stabilizes the conjugate base far more than in a compound with only one carbonyl group nearby.
JEE Main · 2024 · 27 Jan 2024 · Shift 1 · Single correct option