Question on how do you know how reactions goes based on condition

[integralx2]

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I understand the mechanism and the reaction how it goes if its SN1, SN2, E1 or E2. For example if i have an aldehyde and react it with a R-OH in a base it yields a hemiacetal. How would you know what the product would be without knowing the mechanism? Is there a given for what will happen if its carried out in an acidic, or basic solution ?

 

[Rabolisk]

Adding an alcohol to an aldehyde is not SN1, SN2, E1, or E2.

 

[integralx2]

Adding an alcohol to an aldehyde is not SN1, SN2, E1, or E2.

no crap sherlock holmes. No where did I state it was, I was only stating that I knew the mechanism of SN1, SN2, E1 or E2. I never made the connection that adding an alcohol to aldehyde is this.

 

[Rabolisk]

no crap sherlock holmes. No where did I state it was, I was only stating that I knew the mechanism of SN1, SN2, E1 or E2. I never made the connection that adding an alcohol to aldehyde is this.

Nowhere did I state that you did. You should learn the mechanism for nucleophilic addition.