Question

Two moles of benzaldehyde and one mole of acetone under alkaline conditions using aqueous NaOH after heating gives $x$ as the major product. The number of $\pi$ bonds in the product $x$ is ................

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 9

This reaction demonstrates an aldol condensation. Benzaldehyde and acetone, under basic conditions (OH^-) and with heating (Δ), yield a product.

$$ \text{Benzaldehyde (C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO}) + \text{Acetone (CH}_3\text{COCH}_3) \xrightarrow{\text{OH}^- , \Delta} $$
$$ \text{Product (C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH=CHCOCH}_3) $$

The resulting product contains a conjugated system with multiple π-bonds. This reaction achieves the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond linking benzaldehyde and acetone.

$$ \text{Consequently, the product contains 9 π-bonds.} $$