Chapter 13, Problem 30P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Structures of four $\beta -$ keto ester that is obtained from the mixture of methyl acetate and methyl propanoate have to be drawn.

Concept Introduction:

Reaction of an ester having an $\alpha -$ hydrogen with one equivalent of a base to yield a $\beta -$ keto ester.

Mechanism for Claisen Condensation:

• A base abstracts a proton from the $\alpha -carbon$ forms enolate ion.
• The enolate ion gets attached to the carbonyl carbon of another ester.
• The negative charge on oxygen of the carbonyl group reforms, by removing an alkoxide ion.