Decarboxylation of β‑Keto Acids: Why It’s So Easy (6‑Membered TS)

Learn why β‑keto acids decarboxylate easily. Stepwise mechanism, enol formation, tautomerization, and synthesis applications (acetoacetic/malonic).

• Reaction: β-keto acid → ketone + CO2
• What it does: Removes a carboxyl group next to a carbonyl
• Typical reagents: Heat
• Key intermediate: Enol (then tautomerization)
• Driving force: 6-membered cyclic transition state; CO2 gas release; tautomerization
• Exam type: Mechanism reasoning
• Exam type: Synthesis planning