Organic Chemistry : Help with Hydrolysis and Condensation Reactions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Organic Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Carbonyl Reactions

Which of the following best summarizes a Claisan condensation?

Possible Answers:

The enolate of an ester attacks another ester

The enolate of a dicarbonyl compound attacks a beta carbon of an alkene

A methyl ketone is treated with iodine and 

A carboxylic acid reacts first with then with water

An alkyl halide reacts first with the phthalimide ion, then with 

Correct answer:

The enolate of an ester attacks another ester

Explanation:

The most acidic hydrogen of the ester gets abstracted and the enolate form of the compound is attained. The electrons from the carbon-carbon double bond attack the carbonyl carbon of the other ester. Deesterfication occurs in this same step. The final product has one ketone and one ester.

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