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Names:

Recall that the carbonyl group is an electron-withdrawing group which makes the α-hydrogen slightly acidic. This α-hydrogen can be abstracted by a base. Compound I have no α-hydrogen, so it will not form the intermediate and the conjugated system. On the other hand, Compound II has an α-hydrogen which can react with the base.

Mechanism:

Let B:^– be the base:

Answer:

Compound II will form a conjugated system because it contains an α-hydrogen, while compound I does not.

The mechanism is:

MC Options:

(correct answer) A. Compound II will form a conjugated system because it contains an α-hydrogen, while compound I does not.

The mechanism for the formation of the conjugated system for Compound II:

B. Compound I will not form a conjugated system due presence of α-hydrogens.

The mechanism for the formation of the conjugated system for Compound II:

C. Compound II will form a conjugated system because it already has a conjugated system present.

The mechanism for the formation of the conjugated system for Compound II:

D. Compound I will not form a conjugated system because it already has a conjugated system present.

Assuming the following equilibrium reaction occurs, identify the direction of the reaction that is more favored.