Chapter 19, Problem 19.28P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mechanism for the given acid-catalyzed aldol reaction and the dehydration of the resulting aldol product has to be proposed.

Concept Introduction:

The nucleophilic addition of the enolate anion of one aldehyde or ketone to the carbonyl group of another aldehyde or ketone is known as Aldol reaction.  The product of an Aldol reaction is β-hydroxyaldehyde or β-hydroxyketone.  In acid-catalyzed Aldol reaction, acid is regenerated at the end of the reaction.

The dehydration of the Aldol product (β-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone) occurs under acidic or basic conditions and form α,β-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone.