Which of these compounds can react with 4-methylhexanal to afford good yields of the crossed aldol product?
A)3-(4-Nitrophenyl)propanal
B)2-Methyl-3-pentanone
C)2-(4-Nitrophenyl)propanal
D)3-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-butanone
E)None of the above compounds will give good yields of the crossed aldol product with 4-methylhexanal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crossed aldol reactions typically require one component with no α-hydrogens to avoid self-condensation. 4-Methylhexanal has α-hydrogens, and so do all the listed compounds, making them prone to self-condensation rather than forming a crossed aldol product. Therefore, none of the options will give good yields of the crossed aldol product with 4-methylhexanal.

Which of These Compounds Can React with 4-Methylhexanal to Afford