Chapter 6.14, Problem 23P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ketones which are formed in the acid-catalysed hydration of 3-heptyne have to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

Acid Catalysed addition of water: When water is added to alkyne in the presence of an acid, the product formed will be an enol.  Enol contains a double bond and a $\text{OH}$ group.  The $\text{OH}$ group is bonded to one of the ${\text{sp}}^{\text{2}}$ carbons.

If a carbonyl group is bonded to two alkyl groups, it is called as a ketone.  The enol formed in the acid catalysed addition of water will be easily converted into a ketone.

Conversion of terminal alkynes into enol: If we want to convert terminal alkyne into an enol, the presence of mercuric ion as a catalyst should be needed and the catalyst will increase the rate of the reaction.