Question

Which of the following compounds undergo aldol condensation?
A.
B.
C HCHO
D.

Answer 1

Generally the carbonyl compound that contains beta-hydrogen undergoes the chemical reaction called aldol condensation in the presence of dilute base and forms beta-hydroxy ketone as the product.

Complete step-by-step answer: - In the question it is given that to identify the compound which undergoes aldol condensation among the given options.
- We have to check which compound among the given options has alpha-hydrogens in it.
- Coming to the given options, option A.

- In the above chemical there is a presence of alpha-hydrogen and it shows keto-enol tautomerism. Therefore the compound A undergoes aldol condensation and forms beta-hydroxy ketone as the product.
- Coming to option B,

- The compound which is present in option B does not contain alpha-hydrogens. Therefore it does not undergo aldol condensation.
- Coming to option C, HCHO. We know that formaldehyde does not contain alpha-hydrogens. Therefore it does not undergo aldol condensation.
- Coming to option D,

- We know that the compound in option D does not contain alpha-hydrogens. Therefore it does not undergo aldol condensation.
- Therefore the compound which is present in the option A undergoes aldol condensation reaction.

Note: Aldol condensation is of two types. In one method aldehydes undergoes aldol condensation with the same aldehydes and forms beta-hydroxy ketone and in the other method one type of aldehyde is going to react with other aldehydes called cross aldol condensation reaction.