acid-catalyzed reaction takes place rapidly because the carbonyl compound is
converted by protonation into a much better electrophilic electron acceptor.
The hydration reaction just described is typical of what happens when a
Problem 19.7
When dissolved in water, trichloroacetaldehyde (chloral, CCI3CHO) exists
Primarily as chloral hydrate, CCl3CH(OH)2, better known by the non-IUPAC
name “knockout drops.” Show the structure of chloral hydrate.
Problem 19.8
The oxygen in water is primarily (99.8%) 16O, but water enriched with the heavy isotope 18O is also available. When a ketone or aldehyde is dissolved
In 18O-enriched water, the isotopic label becomes incorporated into the carbonyl group. Explain.