Aldol Condensation - Mechanism

Mechanism

The first part of this reaction is an aldol reaction, the second part a dehydration—an elimination reaction(Involves removal of a water molecule or an alcohol molecule). Dehydration may be accompanied by decarboxylation when an activated carboxyl group is present. The aldol addition product can be dehydrated via two mechanisms; a strong base like potassium t-butoxide, potassium hydroxide or sodium hydride in an enolate mechanism, or in an acid-catalyzed enol mechanism.

:

Read more about this topic:  Aldol Condensation

Famous quotes containing the word mechanism:

    “A mechanism of some kind stands between us and almost every act of our lives.”
    —Sarah Patton Boyle, U.S. civil rights activist and author. The Desegregated Heart, part 3, ch. 2 (1962)

    “The law isn’t justice. It’s a very imperfect mechanism. If you press exactly the right buttons and are also lucky, justice may show up in the answer. A mechanism is all the law was ever intended to be.”
    —Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)

    “Life is an offensive, directed against the repetitious mechanism of the Universe.”
    —Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947)