The substrate is indane-1,2,3-trione, in which the central carbonyl is flanked on both sides by carbonyl groups and is therefore strongly electrophilic. A molecule of water adds across this central carbonyl to form a stable gem-diol (hydrate), the stability arising from relief of strain between the adjacent carbonyls and from intramolecular hydrogen bonding to the flanking C=O groups. Product A is 2,2-dihydroxyindane-1,3-dione, the hydrate commonly known as ninhydrin.
JEE Main · 2023 · 15 Apr 2023 · Shift 1 · Single correct option