How many different aldols (β-hydroxyaldehydes), including constitutional isomers and stereoisomers, are formed upon treatment of butanal with base?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Butanal can form two different enolates, leading to two different aldol products. Each of these products can exist as a pair of stereoisomers (R,S and S,R), resulting in a total of four different aldols.

How Many Different Aldols (β-Hydroxyaldehydes), Including Constitutional Isomers and Stereoisomers