Question Details

The structural feature in carbonyl compound for Aldol condensation

Options

A

presence of at least one β-hydrogen

B

presence of at least one α-hydrogen

C

Concentrated base

D

lack of α hydrogen

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

presence of at least one α-hydrogen

Solution :

The correct option is presence of at least one α-hydrogen.

Detailed Explanation:
Aldol condensation is a characteristic reaction of aldehydes and ketones containing at least one α-hydrogen (a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group). The reaction typically proceeds via the following steps:

1. Formation of an Enolate Ion:
A dilute base abstracts an acidic α-hydrogen from the carbonyl compound, forming a resonance-stabilized enolate nucleophile. This step is only possible if there is at least one α-hydrogen present. Without an α-hydrogen, the enolate ion cannot form.

2. Nucleophilic Attack:
The enolate ion then attacks the electrophilic carbonyl carbon of another molecule of the aldehyde or ketone, forming a β-hydroxy carbonyl compound (known as an aldol).

3. Dehydration:
Upon heating, this β-hydroxy carbonyl compound undergoes dehydration to yield an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.

Therefore, the presence of at least one α-hydrogen is the essential structural feature required for a carbonyl compound to undergo Aldol condensation.

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