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Summary: Acetaldehyde Aldol Condensation Kinetics
J. 8. ANDERSON' and M. S. PETERS
University of Illinois, Urbana, 111.
ACETALDEHYDEmay react to form aldol when-
ever acetaldehyde and hydroxide ions are present. While
direct applications of this reaction are few, it provides
one method of making carbon-to-carbon bonds; and the
reaction can and does occur as an undesirable side reaction
in many processes. A complete knowledge of the kinetics
and mechanisms of this reaction may aid in the study of
similar condensation reactions such as the formation of
pentaerythrose.
The mechanism of the acetaldehyde aldol reaction has
been the object of several studies (I, 4, 8). However, the
results have been indefinite. This work was undertaken to
establish the kinetics and mechanism of the reaction.
THEORY
A mechanism for the reaction, originally proposed by
Hann and Lapworth (6) is generally accepted today. It is
supported strongly by electronic theories of reaction. This
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