Chapter 18, Problem 18.29P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Synthesis of the molecule is to be shown using an Aldol condensation.

Concept introduction:

If we see the molecule, we find that it is an $\text{α,β-}$ unsaturated carbonyl compound. The molecule is an $\text{α,β-}$ unsaturated aldehyde, so it can be the product of dehydrating the $\text{β-}$ hydroxy aldehyde. To apply a transform that undoes an aldol addition, we must disconnect the bond between $\text{α}$ and $\text{β}$ carbons. Because the resulting aldehyde precursors are different from each other, more than one aldol product is possible in the forward direction. To produce the desired product only, we should slowly add the aldehyde with $\text{α-}$ hydrogens to a basic solution of the aldehyde without $\text{α-}$ hydrogens.