What is the major product obtained from the following reactions ?
`CH_(3)COCH_(2)COOH overset("heat")to` product

Options

A. `CH_(3)CHO+CH_(3)COOH`
B. `CH_(3)COCH_(3)`
C. `CH_(3)-overset(OH)overset(|)(C)=CH_(2)`
D.

Answer

To determine the major product obtained from the reaction of `CH₃COCH₂COOH` when heated, we will analyze the reaction step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactant**:
The reactant is `CH₃COCH₂COOH`, which is a β-keto acid (specifically, acetoacetic acid).

2. **Understand the Reaction Conditions**:
The reaction is conducted under heat, which typically promotes decarboxylation and dehydration reactions.

3. **Decarboxylation**:
When β-keto acids are heated, they undergo decarboxylation, which involves the loss of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In this case, the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) will be removed, leading to the formation of a carbon ion. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ CH₃COCH₂COOH \rightarrow CH₃C(=O)CH₂ + CO₂ \]
Here, the carbon dioxide is released, and we are left with a carbon ion.

4. **Stability of the Carbon Ion**:
The carbon ion formed is stabilized by resonance. The negative charge can be delocalized over the adjacent carbonyl group, making the intermediate stable. This stability drives the reaction forward.

5. **Formation of the Major Product**:
The stable carbon ion can lead to the formation of the final product, which is:
\[ CH₃C(=O)CH₂ \]
This product is 3-pentanone, which is the major product of the reaction.

6. **Conclusion**:
The major product obtained from the reaction of `CH₃COCH₂COOH` when heated is **3-pentanone**.