Question
Explain: Tautomerism

Answer

When same compound exists as mixture of two or more structurally distinct molecules which are in rapid equilibrium with each other, then the phenomenon is referred to as tautomerism. Such interconverting isomers are called tautomers.
i. In nearly all the cases, it is the proton which shifts from one atom to another atom in the molecule to form its tautomer.
ii. Keto-enol tautomerism is very common form of tautomerism.
iii. Here, a hydrogen atom shifts reversibly from the a-carbon of the keto form to oxygen atom of the enol. This type of isomerism is known as keto-enol tautomerism.
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