23: Carbonyl Condensation Reactions
When you have completed Chapter 23, you should be able to
- fulfill all of the detailed objectives listed under each individual section.
- design multi‑step syntheses in which the reactions introduced in this unit are used in conjunction with any of the reactions described in previous units.
- solve road‑map problems that require a knowledge of carbonyl condensation reactions.
- define, and use in context, any of the key terms introduced.
In this chapter, we consider the fourth and final general type of reaction that carbonyl compounds undergo—the carbonyl condensation reaction. Carbonyl condensation reactions take place between two carbonyl‑containing reactants, one of which must possess an alpha‑hydrogen atom. The first step of the reaction involves the removal of an alpha‑hydrogen atom by a base. In the second step, the enolate anion that results from this removal attacks the carbonyl‑carbon of the second reacting molecule. In the final step of the reaction, a proton is transferred to the tetrahedral intermediate formed in the second step, although in some cases the product that results may subsequently be dehydrated.
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- 23.7: Intramolecular Aldol Reactions
- Molecules which contain two carbonyl functionalities have the possibility of forming a ring through an intramolecular aldol reaction. The term “Intramolecular” means “within the same molecule.” In this case, it means that the enolate donor and the electrophilic acceptor of an aldol reaction are contained in the same molecule such as dialdehydes, keto aldehydes, or diketones. In these cases, the small distance between the donor and acceptor leads to faster reaction rates.
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- 23.11: Conjugate Carbonyl Additions - The Michael Reaction
- Certain nucleophiles undergo conjugate addition with the alkene of an α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds rather than undergo direct nucleophilic addition with the carbonyl. During conjugate addition, a nucleophile adds to the electrophilic β-alkene carbon to from a C-Nuc bond. If the starting materials contains an ester the corresponding alkoxide is used as the base in the reaction. Otherwise a hydroxide base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, is commonly used.