Question

Predict the aldol product when the following ketone undergoes self-condensation in the presence of NaOH. Do not show the dehydrated product. Be sure to include all lone pairs in your product.

Answer 1

Answer:

β-hydroxyaldehyde (an aldol) namely 3-Hydroxy butanal.

Explanation:

When acetaldehyde is treated with dil.NaOH it undergoes self condensation as it contains alpha-hydrogen atom in its compound forming β-hydroxyaldehyde (an aldol) namely 3-Hydroxy butanal. This compound upon further heating will eliminate a molecule of water forming aldol condensation product namely Crotonaldehyde Or But-2-en-al. see the diagram attached.