MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 97: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 97

7. When reacted with ammonia (NH₃) at 200°C, which enolate of a carbonyl-containing compound would predominate?

A. Kinetic enolate
B. Thermodynamic enolate
C. Neither enolate; they would be present in roughly equal proportions
D. Neither enolate; these reaction conditions would not form either enolate

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

At high temperatures and with a weak base like NH₃, the thermodynamic enolate will be favored. The reaction proceeds slowly with the weak base, giving the kinetic enolate time to interconvert to the more stable thermodynamic enolate.

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