Chapter 24: Q5P (page 1108)

Why does the OH group add to the $β$ -carbon rather than to the $α$ -carbon in the second reaction in the $β$ -oxidation of fats?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Beta oxidation occurs because the carbonyl carbon is partially positive and hence attracts $-OH$ group.

Step by step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: β-oxidation in fatty acids

$β$ -oxidation in fatty acids is a process in which fatty acids are broken down to produce energy.

$β$ -oxidation is a catabolic process where fatty acids are broken down to produce acetyl CoA. In beta-oxidation bond is broken between beta carbon and gamma carbon.

β-oxidation of fats

After observing the resonance structures as shown below it is seen that on the right-hand side structure $β$ carbon of $α, β$ unsaturated carbonyl compound has a positive charge. The nucleophilic $-OH$ group, therefore, is attracted to the $β$ carbon.

Resonance in $α, β$ unsaturated carbonyl compound

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Why does the OH group add to the $β$ -carbon rather than to the $α$ -carbon in the second reaction in the $β$ -oxidation of fats?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: β-oxidation in fatty acids

β-oxidation of fats

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Why does the OH group add to the β-carbon rather than to the α-carbon in the second reaction in the β-oxidation of fats?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: β-oxidation in fatty acids

β-oxidation of fats

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

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Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Why does the OH group add to the $β$ -carbon rather than to the $α$ -carbon in the second reaction in the $β$ -oxidation of fats?