HomeStep 1 – acid activates carbonyl carbon by donating a proton. Step 1 – acid activates carbonyl carbon by donating a proton. Akul Mehta | | June 29, 2011 | Step 1 – acid activates carbonyl carbon by donating a proton. About The Author Akul More From This Author Add Comment Cancel reply I accept the Privacy Policy This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.