What aldol addition product is formed from each of the following compounds?
a.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the compound provided in the image. The structure is a ketone with an aldehyde functional group, specifically 4-methylpentanal.
2. Step 2: Recognize the reaction conditions. The presence of NaOH and H2O indicates that this is an aldol addition reaction, which involves the formation of a β-hydroxy carbonyl compound.
3. Step 3: Determine the enolate formation. Under basic conditions (NaOH), the α-hydrogen adjacent to the carbonyl group is abstracted, forming an enolate ion. The enolate is stabilized by resonance between the α-carbon and the carbonyl oxygen.
4. Step 4: Analyze the nucleophilic attack. The enolate ion acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of another molecule of 4-methylpentanal, forming a new C-C bond. This results in the formation of a β-hydroxy aldehyde.
5. Step 5: Write the structure of the aldol addition product. The product will have a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the β-carbon relative to the aldehyde group, and the new C-C bond will connect the α-carbon of one molecule to the carbonyl carbon of the other.

Key Concepts

Aldol Addition

Aldol addition is a reaction between two carbonyl compounds, typically aldehydes or ketones, in the presence of a base, leading to the formation of a β-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone. This reaction involves the nucleophilic attack of an enolate ion on the carbonyl carbon of another molecule, resulting in a new carbon-carbon bond. The product can further undergo dehydration to form an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.

Enolate Ion Formation

Enolate ions are formed when a carbonyl compound is deprotonated at the alpha carbon by a strong base, such as NaOH. This ion is resonance-stabilized and acts as a nucleophile in aldol reactions. The ability to form enolate ions is crucial for the aldol addition process, as it allows for the nucleophilic attack on another carbonyl compound, facilitating the formation of the aldol product.

Dehydration of Aldol Products

After the aldol addition, the β-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone can undergo dehydration, where a molecule of water is eliminated, resulting in the formation of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. This step is often favored under conditions of heat or in the presence of acid or base, and it enhances the stability of the product by forming a conjugated system. Understanding this dehydration step is essential for predicting the final products of aldol reactions.