QQuestionAnatomy and Physiology
QuestionAnatomy and Physiology
What type of esters can undergo Claisen reactions?
- All esters can undergo Claisen reactions.
- Only esters with two hydrogen atoms on the acarbon can undergo Claisen reactions.
- Only esters with three hydrogen atoms on the acarbon can undergo Claisen reactions.
- Only esters with two or three hydrogen atoms on the acarbon can undergo Claisen reactions.
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Step 1: Identify the criteria for an ester to undergo a Claisen reaction.
In a Claisen reaction, an intramolecular ester condensation occurs between an aliphatic carboxylic acid derivative and an alcohol. The reaction forms a new carbon-carbon bond and creates a larger cyclic or polycyclic compound.
Step 2: Examine the role of hydrogen atoms on the acyl carbon of the ester.
For a Claisen reaction to occur, there must be enough space for the carbonyl group (C=O) to move close to the alkoxy group (OR) for the intramolecular condensation. This means that there should be no substituents on the carbon atom directly attached to the carbonyl carbon, except for the alkoxy group.
Final Answer
Only esters with two hydrogen atoms on the acyl carbon can undergo Claisen reactions.
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