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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: JetIceMonkey on March 16, 2025, 04:31:56 PM

Title: Isomerization of an Alkene
Post by: JetIceMonkey on March 16, 2025, 04:31:56 PM

I understand that heating 5-cholesten-3-one with oxalic acid in ethanol leads to the formation of the isomer 4-cholesten-3-one, but would the same apply for 5-cholesten-3-ol that instead has a hydroxyl group at the 3 position? Would perhaps a stronger acid like sulfuric acid be needed to achieve that isomerization reaction?

Title: Re: Isomerization of an Alkene
Post by: Babcock_Hall on March 17, 2025, 09:51:43 AM

@OP,
Is this a homework problem?  Can you think of a different reaction that sulfuric acid might also catalyze?