Chapter 19, Problem 19.55P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A synthesis of nifedipine from 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, methyl acetoacetate and ammonia has to be given.

Concept introduction:

Aldol condensation:

Aldol reaction is an addition reaction of aldehydes and ketones. Aldol reaction is a reversible reaction and occurs in the presence of a strong base like sodium hydroxide. One molecule (aldehyde or ketone) acts a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbon center of the other molecule to give the addition product. The product is named $\beta$-hydroxy aldehyde if two aldehydes combine and $\beta$-hydroxy ketone if two ketones combine.

Michael reaction:

The reaction occurs with a variety of $\text{α,β}$-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes, esters, nitriles, nitro compounds and amides.

The donor compound of this reaction includes $\text{β}$-diketones, $\text{β}$-keto nitriles, $\text{β}$-keto esters.