Question

An organic compound (A) of molecular formula C₇H₆O reacts with acedaldehyde In the presence of sodium ethoxide gives (B) of formula C₉H₈O an unsaturated aldehyde. Compound (A) reacts with acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium acetate gives (C) and (D) of formula C₂HO & C₂H₄O₂ respectively. Identify AB,C,D and explain the reaction involved.

Answer 1

1. From the molecular formula (A) is identified as Benzaldehyde C₆H₅CHO.Benzaldehyde reacts with acetaldehyde to give cinnamaldehyde as B in Claisen condensation reaction.

2. Benzaldehyde reacts with acetic anhydride (Oerkin’s reaction) to give cinnamic acid (C) as product.