Which of the following statements describes the first step in the mechanism of the aldol condensation?
A)An alpha hydrogen is abstracted by the base to form an enolate anion.
B)A nucleophilic base attacks the carbonyl carbon atom.
C)The carbonyl oxygen is protonated by the base ion.
D)The alpha hydrogen is abstracted by an acid to the enolate anion.
E)The carbonyl oxygen of one aldehyde attacks the carbonyl carbon of another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first step in the mechanism of the aldol condensation is the abstraction of an alpha hydrogen by a base to form an enolate anion. This enolate anion is the nucleophile that attacks the carbonyl group of another molecule, leading to the formation of a beta-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone.

Which of the Following Statements Describes the First Step in the Mechanism