Question

Question: Predict the products of the following reactions

h.

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Claisen ester condensation

In this sodium ethoxide is used for condensation to avoid transesterification. Ethoxide is the base that protonates the acidic hydrogen to form $\beta$ keto ester.

Reaction followed by alkylation

Ethoxide is used as a base to form an enolate ion which forms keto ester on further reaction with the alkyl halide the alkylation occurs means the removal of halide ion in the alkyl group attached at the alpha position to the carbonyl.

Decarboxylation

It is the reaction that leads to the removal of the carbonyl group and releases carbon di-oxide (CO₂) . Decarboxylation occurs by providing heat in the reaction

Mechanism

1. Acidic hydrogen protonated
2. Formation of the enolate ion
3. Alkylation
4. Decarboxylation