Chapter 22 - Aldol Condensation /Claisen Condensation

Aldol Condensation: twp carbonyl groups combines to each other while removing a small molecule (usually a water or alcohol. They are based on how enols and enolates ions reacts.

What to know?  In the exam, the reactants (or the products) of an reaction will be given and the quickest way to spot a right product is to know what is connects to C=O ( ester, ketone or aldehyde).

Following example:

(1)

 Tips: Two function groups that attached to the C=O needs to be identified. In this example, the left side of C=O has a carbon chain while the right side of C=O has an OCH3. (ester). The product of this condensation will yield a ketone in the end because only one ester on of the C=O. 

If OCH3 is on two sides of C=O ... They turn into OH and one of them departs in decarboxylation. Remember CH3 does not turn into OH in the (1) example.

(2)