Chapter 10, Problem 10.5YT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Appropriate curved arrows are to be provided; the enolate anion is to be labelled, and the type of elementary step is to be recognized by writing “proton transfer” or “S_N2” below each reaction arrow.

Concept introduction:

When an aldehyde (RCH=O) or ketone (R2C=O) is treated with an alkyl halide alone, no reaction occurs. When a strong base like sodium hydride (NaH) or sodium amide (NaNH₂) is added first, however, alkylation can take place at the α carbon (i.e., at the C atom adjacent to the C=O group).