Multiple choice

Aldol condensation cannot occur between-

  1. Two different aldehydes.

  2. The different ketenes.

  3. An aldehyde and a ketone

  4. An aldehyde and an ester.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Aldol condensation requires compounds with alpha-hydrogens. Aldehydes (option A) and ketones (option B) have alpha-hydrogens and can undergo aldol condensation. An aldehyde and ketone combination (option C) can also undergo aldol condensation. However, esters (option D) generally do not have acidic alpha-hydrogens in the same way and cannot participate in classic aldol condensation reactions under normal conditions.

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