Question

Which of the following compounds has least equilibrium constant for acid catalyzed hydration:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Option 2

Answer 2

The aromatic diketone has the least equilibrium constant for acid-catalyzed hydration because aromatic/diketone carbonyls are stabilized by resonance, rendering them less electrophilic and hence less prone to hydration compared to aldehydes and other ketones.