Question

Select the correct statement(s) about above reaction :

• A. The product is a racemic mixture.
• B. Racemisation occurs due to enolisation.
• C. The reaction passes through a cyclic transition state.
• D. The intermediate of the reaction is a carbanion.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The reaction passes through a cyclic transition state.
Racemisation occurs due to enolisation.
The product is a racemic mixture.

This reaction is the decarboxylation of a $\beta$ -keto acid. The mechanism is as shown below.