Question 17.1: Identify the most acidic hydrogens in each of the following ...

Identify the most acidic hydrogens in each of the following compounds, and
rank the compounds in order of increasing acidity:

S t r a t e g y

Hydrogens on carbon next to a carbonyl group are acidic. In general, a β-icarbonyl compound is most acidic, a ketone or aldehyde is next most acidic, and a carboxylic acid derivative is least acidic. Remember that alcohols, phenols, and carboxylic acids are also acidic because of their –OH hydrogens.