Question

Which of the following will undergo aldol condensation? 

(a) C₆H₅COC₆H₅ 

(b) (CH₃)₃CCOCH₃ 

(c) HCHO

(d) CH₃CH₂COCH₃

Answer 1

(d) CH₃CH₂COCH₃  

Aldol condensation is a reaction that involves the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond in the presence of an enolate ion or a compound having an α-hydrogen atom. Let's analyze each compound:

(a) C₆H₅COC₆H₅: This compound does not have an α-hydrogen atom, so it cannot undergo aldol condensation.

(b) (CH₃)₃CCOCH₃: This compound does not have an α-hydrogen atom either, so it cannot undergo aldol condensation.

(c) HCHO: This compound does not have an α-hydrogen atom, so it cannot undergo aldol condensation.

(d) CH₃CH₂COCH₃: This compound does have an α-hydrogen atom and can undergo aldol condensation.