Chapter 24, Problem 24.50P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The synthetic intermediate compounds A and B that are present in the synthesis of the plant growth hormone gibberelllic acid are to be identified.

Concept Introduction: Aldol reaction is the condensation reaction of the organic chemistry. In this reaction an enolate ion or an enol reacts with the carbonyl compound that leads to the formation of $\text{β}$-hydroxyaldehyde or $\text{β}$-hydroxyketone which on further dehydration gives the conjugated enone. It is necessary that the carbonyl compound must contain at least one $\text{α}-\text{hydrogen}$ atom to undergo aldol reaction.

The crossed aldol reaction takes place between the two different carbonyl compounds that is between two different aldehydes or two different ketones or one aldehyde and one ketone. The crossed aldol reaction takes place only if the carbonyl compound contains an acidic $\text{α}-\text{hydrogen}$ atom.