JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3co184
3-Oxobutanoic acid, CHX3COCHX2COOH, is gently warmed to about 100 ∘C. The organic product is
Abutan-2-one
Bethanoic acid
Cpropanone
Dpropanoic acid
Answer: C
A beta-keto acid decarboxylates through a cyclic six-membered transition state giving an enol, which tautomerises to the ketone: CHX3COCHX2COOHCHX3COCHX3+COX2.