Question

Question: What starting materials are needed to synthesize each compound using an aldol or similar reaction?

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Identify the α and β  carbons to the carbonyl group

The bond between the $\mathit{\alpha }\mathbf{}\mathit{a}\mathit{n}\mathit{d}\mathbf{}\mathit{\beta }$carbons to the carbonyl group is cleaved. The $\mathit{\alpha }$-carbon is then added with a hydrogen atom.

Addition to the  β-carbon

Upon the cleavage of the bond between the $\alpha and\beta$ carbons, the role="math" localid="1649052581778" $\beta$-carbon is added with a $\left(=O\right)$if the bond between the $\alpha and\beta$ carbons was a double bond.

However, if the $\alpha and\beta$ carbons had a single bond then, the OH group on the $\beta$-carbon is converted to the carbonyl $\left(C=O\right)$ group.

Product of the given reaction

a. The starting materials of the product are detected hereunder.

starting materials of a.

b. The starting materials of the product are detected hereunder.

starting materials of b.

c. The starting materials of the product are detected hereunder.

starting materials of c.

d. The starting materials of the product are detected hereunder.

starting materials of d.