Question

For a solventless Aldol Condensation Experiment. Is the reaction an example of a “homo” or “crossed” coupling? Explain.

Answer 1

Aldol condensation is an example o crossed coupling.

Aldol condensation is the nucleophilic addition reaction of two carbonyl compounds to produced beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound. Solventless aldol condensation is the reaction which is carried out without a solvent.

Aldol condensation reaction between two different carbonyl compounds can lead to form complex product mixtures due to the possibility of enolate formation from either reactant and to the possibility of competing homo coupling rather than the desired cross coupling. If however only one of the carbonyl compounds has alpha hydrogens available for deprotonation and enolate formation, the crossed aldol reaction can provide synthetically useful yields of products.