Question

The most likely acid–catalysed aldol condensation products of each of the two aldehydes I and II will respectively be: 





 

• A. Option a
• B. Option b
• C. Option c
• D. Option d

Hint:

Acid–catalysed aldol condensation usually gives: β-hydroxy aldehyde → α,β-unsaturated aldehyde Dehydration is favoured in acidic medium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Under acid–catalysed aldol conditions, aldehydes first form a β-hydroxy aldehyde.
Step 2: Acidic medium favours dehydration, leading to formation of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde (conjugated system).
Step 3: In both aldehydes (I) and (II), the more substituted alkene is favoured due to greater stability.
Step 4: Hence, the major products are the conjugated enals shown in option (b).