Methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and benzyl p-hydroxyphenyl ketones and 6- hydroxy-1-tetralone are shown under the condition of ethylene ketal formation to undergo alkyl-carbonyl C----C bond scission, but not with p-hydroxy-benzophenone, p-hydroxyisobutyrophenone, and 5-hydroxy- 1-indanone. It is suggested that the scission is preceded by an aldol condensation, followed by a phenolic hydroxyl participation with scission of the C---C in the β-hydroxy-ketone formed. It should be noted that the participation by phenolic hydroxyl is also the cause of nonformation ethylene ketals by those ketones mentioned.

Key words: ACETOPHENONE P, HYDROXYL COMPOUNDS, CONDENSATION REACTION, CARBON-CARBON BOND, FRACTURE