Cross aldol condensation occurs when two different aldehydes or ketones react. If both have α-hydrogen atoms, it yields a mixture of four products. The aldol reaction of ethanal and propanal illustrates this when carried out in a mixture.
What is cross aldol condensation, and what happens when it is carried out between two different aldehydes or ketones with α-hydrogen atoms?
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Cross aldol condensation involves the reaction between two different aldehydes or ketones, each containing α-hydrogen atoms, to form a β-hydroxy carbonyl compound. In this process, one reactant donates an enolate ion, and the other accepts it in a nucleophilic addition reaction. Subsequent dehydration results in the formation of the cross aldol product. This method allows the synthesis of more complex molecules by combining different carbonyl compounds. However, selectivity challenges may arise, leading to the possibility of multiple products. Careful control of reaction conditions is essential to optimize yield and selectively obtain the desired cross aldol product.