Which carbonyl group will undergo decarboxylation most readily?

• A. A
• B. B
• C. C
• D. D

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional groups in the molecule. The structure contains four carboxylic acid groups labeled A, B, C, and D.
2. Understand the concept of decarboxylation. Decarboxylation is the removal of a carboxyl group, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is facilitated when the carboxyl group is beta to a carbonyl group, as it can stabilize the transition state.
3. Examine each carboxylic acid group to determine its proximity to a carbonyl group. The closer the carboxyl group is to a carbonyl group, the more readily it will undergo decarboxylation.
4. Analyze the structure: Group B is directly adjacent to a carbonyl group, making it a beta-keto acid. Beta-keto acids are known to decarboxylate more readily due to the stabilization provided by the adjacent carbonyl group.
5. Conclude that among the given options, the carboxyl group labeled B will undergo decarboxylation most readily due to its position as a beta-keto acid.