JEE Main Chemistry question

Which would undergo aldol condensation?

(A)φCHO + CH₃COCH₃ --OH⁻-->Correct
(B)CCl₃CHO + HCHO --OH⁻-->
(C)φ–CO–CO–φ --OH⁻-->
(D)A dialdehyde with both carbonyls lacking α-H --OH⁻-->

Answer: (A)

Solution

Aldol condensation requires an enolizable α-hydrogen on at least one partner. Benzaldehyde (no α-H) with acetone (which does have α-hydrogens on its methyl groups) undergoes crossed aldol condensation, with acetone's enolate attacking benzaldehyde's carbonyl. The other three options all involve exclusively

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Question ID VK-149397