Question

Propose mechanisms for the following reactions.

Short answer

Mechanism followed as:

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step Solution Step 1: Claisen condensation

It is the nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction of ether forming the enolate ion with another ether group that leads to the form $\mathrm{\alpha },\mathrm{\beta }$ unsaturated ketone.

Formation of the product

As the hydrogen is protonated from the reacting species which is ether formation of enolate ion occurs which combines with another group of ether followed by the removal of -OR formation of $\mathrm{\alpha },\mathrm{\beta }$unsaturated ketone occur.

Mechanism

The chemical reaction between carbonyl and methoxide takes place which leads to the generation of an anionic intermediate. After reaction with the given ester lead to the formation of the dicarbonyl compound.

The mechanism is as follows:

CLAISEN CONDENSATION