Back to Directory
NEET CHEMISTRYMedium

What is the order of the stability of the following tautomeric compounds? (Structures I, II, and III)

A

III > II > I

B

II > I > III

C

II > III > I

D

I > II > III

Step-by-Step Solution

The stability of tautomers (typically keto-enol forms) is governed by bond energies and stabilizing factors like resonance and hydrogen bonding.

  1. General Rule: The Keto form is generally more stable than the Enol form due to the high bond energy of the C=OC=O bond compared to the C=CC=C bond.
  2. Exceptions (Enol Stability): The Enol form becomes the major (more stable) tautomer if it is stabilized by:
  • Aromaticity: (e.g., Phenol).
  • Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding: In 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds (β\beta-diketones), the enol form forms a stable 6-membered cyclic ring via intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
  • Extended Conjugation: Resonance stabilization between the double bond and the carbonyl group.

Based on the probable answer (III > II > I), Compound III likely possesses the strongest stabilizing factors (such as being an aromatic enol or having strong chelation), followed by II, with I likely being the least stable form (or the destabilized keto/enol form depending on the specific structures).

Practice Mode Available

Master this Topic on Sushrut

Join thousands of students and practice with AI-generated mock tests.

Get Started
Solved: CHEMISTRY Question for NEET | Sushrut