Question

Question: Draw a stepwise mechanism for the following reaction.

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Oxidization

$\mathit{C}\mathit{r}{\mathit{O}}_{\mathbf{3}}$ is a strong oxidizing agent. It also acts as a catalyst in the presence of a strong acid such as sulfuric acid.

Proton abstraction

The electron-rich oxygen donates its electrons to the acidic hydrogen present in $H_{2}S{O}_4$ and abstracts it making a $\left(H_2{O}^{+}\right)$.

Stepwise mechanism

The oxygen atom first donates its electrons to the acidic hydrogen present in $H_{2}S{O}_4$. The double bond undergoes rearrangement as the ${\left(H_{2}O\right)}^{+}$ ion leaves. A ketonic center is formed by the action of $HS{O_4}^{-}$.