Identify the structure of the major organic product that results from the following reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction involves the condensation of two molecules of formaldehyde, resulting in the formation of a β-hydroxyaldehyde. The major product (II) is formed through an aldol reaction, where the carbonyl group of one molecule of formaldehyde is attacked by the enolate ion of the other molecule of formaldehyde. This results in the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond and the generation of a β-hydroxyaldehyde. The other options (I, III, and IV) are either intermediates or side products of the reaction but not the major product.

Identify the Structure of the Major Organic Product That Results