Question

Compare enolate A with enolate B.

Which of the following statement is true ?

• A. A is more stable than B
• B. A and B have the same stability
• C. B is more stable than A
• D. No comparision of stability can be made

Answer 1

The correct option is A A is more stable than B

Enolate ion (A) is stabilised by the resonance effect of both carbonyls, but in (B) the negative charge is stabilised by only carbonyl group. Hence, enolate ion (A) is more stable than (B).