Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Fry on October 11, 2007, 01:30:35 PM
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Why is an acid catalyst used in this synthesis?
One source (http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/orgsyn/prepContent.asp?prep=cv2p0071) tells me that its used to remove trace amounts of alkali that would reduce the benzaphenone to benzohydrol..
But im told its being used as a catalyst, or is my definition not right? do the proton and the conjugate acetate ion stabilize the intermediate n,pi* radicals?