Chapter 21.10, Problem 28P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The alkyl halides needed to prepare each ketone using the acetoacetic ester synthesis are to be predicted.

Concept introduction: The $\text{α}$ hydrogen attached to the $\text{β-}$ ketoester is acidic in nature and the hydrolysis and decarboxylation of the product obtained by substitution reaction of enolate ion with alkyl halide gives ketone. The ketone comprises of two components the alkyl group of alkyl halide and the $\text{β-}$ keto ester.