Ease Into Prep with an OAT^® Question of the Day

The correct answer is C.

The base-catalyzed condensation of acetaldehyde is an example of an aldol condensation and is outlined below:

The newly formed hydroxyl group thus winds up on the second carbon from the aldehyde carbonyl; the product is therefore classified as a beta-hydroxyaldehyde, choice C. It should be noted that this product can easily undergo further dehydration (elimination of water to form double bond) to yield a compound where a carbon-carbon double bond is in conjugation with the carbonyl bond.

(A) Distortion. This is not the product of that condensation.

(B) Distortion. This is not the product of that condensation.

(D) Distortion. This is not the product of that condensation.

(E) Distortion. This is not the product of that condensation.