Ethanal undergoes aldol condensation reaction. Give reason
Answers
Answer:
Ehanal has one alpha carbon on which 3 alpha hydrogen are present
Explanation:
Aldol condensation is occurred only in carbonyl compounds which have a alpha hydrogen. Carbonyl compounds are aldehydes and ketones. These alpha hydrogen is acidic, therefore they are removed easily with bases (alkalis) and give carbanion. Then this carbanion reacts with another carbonyl molecule to give the aldol product.
Aldehyde or ketone which have alpha H reacts with any strong bases such as NaOH, KOH and Ba(OH)2 and give aldol as the product. This reaction doubles the number of carbon atoms of initial aldehyde or ketone. To dehydrate the aldol compound, it is heated alone or with I2.
Ethanal aldol condensation
Ethanal is an aldehyde. Ethanal reacts with dilute NaOH or KOH in aldol condensation. There are two carbon atoms in ethanal molecule. But in the product, there are four carbon. After aldol condensation , aldol product is heated with I2 or heated alone. The -OH group is eliminated (dehydrtion) and give double bond.