Organic Chemistry

1. Why is the Aldol condensation reaction so important in the field of organic chemistry?

2. The first step of the Aldol condensation reaction mechanism is formation of the enolate ion.

a. Will both acetophenone and 3-nitrobenzaldehyde form an enolate ion? Why or why not?

b. Show the mechanism for the formation of the enolate ion in this reaction system and show the resonance contributors of the enolate ion.

3. In the second step of the Aldol condensation reaction mechanism, the enolate acts as a nucleophile and adds to the carbonyl group.

a. Will the major product be the crossed-condensation or self-condensation product?

b. Explain why by considering the electron density of both reactants. Hint: Look at the electron density of the carbonyl carbons. Bonus question,

4. Microscale recrystallization is commonly used when you only have a small amount of sample and/or if you only need a small amount (like for

a melting point). What are three advantages of doing microscale recrystallization over macroscale recrystallization. Note: We used a centrifuge tube instead of a Craig tube in this experiment

5. Write the experimental steps for a macroscale recrystallization (refer to Technique 11). Write the corresponding steps for the microscale recrystallization as performed during lab and indicate the general purpose of each step. Use a table similar to the one shown below to present your answer.