Condensation RXNs Part 1

Modern Organic Chemistry (CHEM 6607) - Module 1, Part 2: Aldols and Claisen Condensations

Condensation Reactions

In these reactions, carbonyl compounds act as both electrophile and nucleophile.Key Components:

• Electrophilic carbonyl group reacts with nucleophiles.

• Nucleophilic enolate ion reacts with electrophiles.

Importance of Carbonyl Condensation Reactions

General Use:

• One of the most common methods to form carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds.

• Occurrence in various metabolic pathways, leading to the formation of new C-C bonds.

Outline of Carbonyl Condensations

Topics Covered Include:

• The Aldol Reaction and its mechanism

• Dehydration to enones and its mechanisms

• Mixed aldol reactions

• Claisen condensation and its mechanism

• Applications of aldols and Claisen products in organic synthesis.