Dat 2010 Destroyer ochem #32

[jirotrom]

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Why is this an Aldol Condensation and not an Aldol Addition?
32. When Propanal is treated with dilute sodium hydroxide, what is the major product?

answer is 3-hydroxy-2-methylpentanal

 

[UndergradGuy7]

Why is this an Aldol Condensation and not an Aldol Addition?
32. When Propanal is treated with dilute sodium hydroxide, what is the major product?

answer is 3-hydroxy-2-methylpentanal

Kind of confusing, usually you add heat to form the condensation.

Edit: Just looked at your answer... the answer is the addition product? Not sure why you said it is a condensation. Unless I am reading the answer wrong.

 

[jirotrom]

exactly... this is why I dont get it, this product is an addition product.

 

[UndergradGuy7]

Structure from google...
http://sci-toys.com/scichem/jqp045/220212.html

that is an addition.
Condensation would get rid of the OH and form a double bond.

 

[jirotrom]

yep! thanks so much! I just wanted to make sure I was not going crazy.