Question

What is the major product of the following reaction?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the major product of the given reaction, we must analyze the reaction conditions and mechanism involved. The reaction involves an aldehyde in the presence of a base (OH⁻) and water (H₂O). This setup is a classic example of an aldol condensation reaction.

An aldol condensation involves two main steps:

1. Formation of Enolate Ion: The aldehyde undergoes deprotonation at the alpha-carbon by the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) to form an enolate ion. This step is crucial for the subsequent reaction.
2. Nucleophilic Attack and Product Formation: The nucleophilic enolate ion attacks the carbonyl carbon of another aldehyde molecule leading to the formation of a β-hydroxy aldehyde. Upon further dehydration (loss of water), an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde is formed.

Now, let's consider the reaction given:

The substrate is an aldehyde with an available alpha-hydrogen. The process leads to the formation of the major aldol condensation product through these steps:

The final product after the aldol condensation is the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. Thus, the correct major product is:

Conclusion: The major product of the reaction is the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde formed via aldol condensation.