Generation of Enolates by Deprotonation

The fundamental aspects of the structure and stability of carbanions were discussed in Chapter 6 of Part A. In the present chapter we relate the properties and reactivity of carbanions stabilized by carbonyl and other EWG substituents to their application as nucleophiles in synthesis. As discussed in Section 6.3 of Part A, there is a fundamental relationship between the stabilizing functional group and the acidity of the C-H groups, as illustrated by the pK data summarized in Table 6.7 in Part A. These pK data provide a basis for assessing the stability and reactivity of carbanions. The acidity of the reactant determines which bases can be used for generation of the anion. Another crucial factor is the distinction between kinetic or thermodynamic control of enolate formation by deprotonation (Part A, Section 6.3), which determines the enolate composition. Fundamental mechanisms of Sw2 alkylation reactions of carbanions are discussed in Section 6.5 of Part A. A review of this material may prove helpful. 

Generation and Properties of Enolates and Other Stabilized Carbanions 

By comparing the approximate pK values of the bases with those of the carbon acid of interest, it is possible to estimate the position of the acid-base equilibrium for a given reactant-base combination. For a carbon acid C-H and a base B-H, 

If we consider the case of a simple alkyl ketone in a protic solvent, for example, we see that hydroxide ion or primary alkoxide ions will convert only a fraction of a ketone to its anion. 

The slightly more basic tertiary alkoxides are comparable to the enolates in basicity, and a more favorable equilibrium will be established with such bases. 

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