Which two carbonyl compounds are required for the synthesis of morachalcone A via nucleophilic addition?

• A. Acetophenone and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde
• B. Benzophenone and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde
• C. Benzaldehyde and acetone
• D. Cyclohexanone and formaldehyde

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that morachalcone A is a type of chalcone, which is typically synthesized via an aldol condensation reaction between an aromatic aldehyde and an aromatic ketone.
2. Identify the structural features of morachalcone A, focusing on the aromatic rings and the positions of hydroxyl groups, which will guide the choice of starting carbonyl compounds.
3. Recall that in aldol condensation, the aldehyde provides the electrophilic carbonyl carbon, while the ketone provides the nucleophilic alpha-carbon (enolate) that attacks the aldehyde.
4. Match the given options to the structural requirements: the aldehyde should have hydroxyl groups at positions 2 and 4 (as in 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde), and the ketone should be acetophenone, which has the appropriate aromatic ketone structure.
5. Conclude that the two carbonyl compounds required for the synthesis of morachalcone A via nucleophilic addition are acetophenone and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde.