Question

Question: Predict the products of the following reactions

i.

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.

Decarboxylation

It is the reaction that leads to the removal of the carbonyl group and releases carbon di-oxide (C0₂) . Decarboxylation occurs by providing heat in the reaction

Mechanism

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

Mechanism