top of page

How To Predict The Product Of An Intramolecular Aldol Condensation Reaction

Intramolecular reactions happens when one end of the molecule attacks another part of the molecule creating a ring (think of a dog trying to bite its tail). In the example below, we learn how to predict a product of an intramolecular aldol condensation in base (KOH). In base, the first step is taking off an alpha hydrogen (hydrogen on the carbon next to C=O), putting a negative charge on the alpha carbon. This is followed by the negatively charged alpha carbon attacking another C=O (carbonyl group) and forming a ring. Numbering helps to draw the product of this step correctly (number carbon attack, carbon being attacked and everything in between). This is followed by protonation of O- and then dehydration and creation of a double bond between alpha and beta carbon to form the final product.


Are you looking for an online general or organic chemistry tutor? Contact us here

We also have tutors for: physics, physical chemistry, MCAT, biology, biochemistry and calculus.

0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating

Ready For Chemistry Tutoring?

I tutor all levels of chemistry including general and organic chemistry.

Click To Learn More

What subject are you taking?
Regents Chemistry
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry

Join our email list 

bottom of page