Question

Write structure formulae and names of four possible aldol condensation products form propanal and butanal. In each case. Indicate which aldehyde acts as nucleophile and which as electrophile.

Answer 1

Both propanal and butanal have `prop`-hydrogen atoms present. These can undergo self aldol condensation as well as cross aldol condensation to give four compounds as follows :
(i) Condensation involving propanal. It is a case of self aldol condensation.