Limitations
One of the main drawbacks of the Henry Reaction is the potential for side reactions throughout the course of the reaction. Aside from the reversibility of the reaction (Retro-Henry) which could prevent the reaction from proceeding, the β-nitro alcohol has the potential to undergo dehydration, and for sterically hindered substrates it is possible that a base catalyzed self-condensation (Cannizaro reaction) could occur. A general scheme of the Cannizzaro reaction is depicted below.
Read more about this topic: Nitroaldol Reaction
Famous quotes containing the word limitations:
“The limitations of pleasure cannot be overcome by more pleasure.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“No man could bring himself to reveal his true character, and, above all, his true limitations as a citizen and a Christian, his true meannesses, his true imbecilities, to his friends, or even to his wife. Honest autobiography is therefore a contradiction in terms: the moment a man considers himself, even in petto, he tries to gild and fresco himself.”
—H.L. (Henry Lewis)
“... art transcends its limitations only by staying within them.”
—Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964)