MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 129: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 129
9. β-lactams are:
I. cyclic forms of the least reactive type of carboxylic acid derivative.
II. more reactive than their straight-chain counterparts.
III. molecules with high levels of ring strain.
- A. I only
- B. II only
- C. II and III only
- D. I, II, and III
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
β-lactams are amides in the form of four-membered rings; amides are generally the least reactive type of carboxylic acid derivative. β-lactams experience significant ring strain from both eclipsing interactions (torsional strain) and angle strain, and are therefore more susceptible to hydrolysis than the linear form of the same molecule.