The exact position of the equilibrium between a gem diol and a ketone
Or aldehyde depends on the structure of the carbonyl compound. Although
The equilibrium generally favors the less crowded carbonyl compound for
steric reasons, the gem diol is favored for a few simple aldehydes. For exam-
ple, an aqueous solution of formaldehyde consists of 99.9% gam diol and
0.1% aldehyde, whereas an aqueous solution of acetone consists of only
Adout 0.1% gam diol and 99.9% ketone.