Studying the Synthesis of Enols and Enolates

The racemization of a ketone through the action of acid or base. 

The beginning of the mechanism forthe acid-catalyzed racemization. 

A mechanism can be under acidic or basic conditions it can t be under acidic and basic conditions. That is to say, H+ (acid) and OH- (base) are never in the same mechanism. 

To produce an enolate, the a-hydrogen ion must be removed. Strong bases, such as hydroxide (OH-) and alkoxide (OR-) ions, only form a small amount of enolate because these bases aren t sufficiently strong. However, forming an enolate is easier if you use one of these bases and an a-(J dicarbonyl compound. 

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