Question

Given below are two statements :
Statement-1: Aldol condensation is caused by acidity of a hydrogens.
Statement-2: Cross aldol is not possible between Ph-CHO and CH₃CHO
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct
• B. Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are incorrect
• C. Statement-1 is correct but Statement-2 is incorrect
• D. Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-2 is correct

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To understand the question and the options clearly, let's analyze the two given statements:

1. Statement-1: Aldol condensation is caused by acidity of alpha hydrogens.
   Aldol condensation is a reaction between aldehydes or ketones having at least one alpha hydrogen, in the presence of a base, resulting in the formation of a β-hydroxy aldehyde (aldol) or β-hydroxy ketone. The acidity of alpha hydrogens is crucial, as it allows for the formation of an enolate ion, which then participates in the aldol condensation. Therefore, Statement-1 is correct.

2. Statement-2: Cross aldol is not possible between Ph-CHO and CH₃CHO.
   Cross aldol condensation occurs when two different carbonyl compounds participate in the reaction. In this case, Ph-CHO (benzaldehyde) and CH₃CHO (acetaldehyde) can undergo cross aldol condensation. Although benzaldehyde does not have any alpha hydrogens, acetaldehyde has acidic hydrogens that can participate in the reaction by forming an enolate ion. Therefore, cross aldol condensation between Ph-CHO and CH₃CHO is possible. As a result, Statement-2 is incorrect.

Given the analysis of both statements, the most appropriate answer is: Statement-1 is correct but Statement-2 is incorrect.