Claisen Condensation Frequently Asked Questions
What is Claisen Condensation with example?
Claisen Condensation is a reaction where two esters or one ester and another carbonyl compound react to form β-keto esters. For example, ethyl acetate can undergo Claisen Condensation to form ethyl acetoacetate.
What is the Claisen condensation in fatty acids synthesis?
In fatty acid synthesis, Claisen Condensation is vital for elongating carbon chains. Malonyl-CoA undergoes repeated Claisen Condensations with acetyl-CoA to form longer fatty acid chains.
Who discovered the Claisen Condensation?
Claisen Condensation was discovered by German chemist Ludwig Claisen in 1887.
What are the essential requirements for the Claisen Condensation?
Critical requirements for Claisen Condensation include a strong base catalyst (such as alkoxide ions), suitable reactants (esters or carbonyl compounds), and often a polar, aprotic solvent like diethyl ether.
What is the role of the Claisen Condensation in biosynthesis?
In biosynthesis, Claisen Condensation plays a crucial role in forming complex molecules like polyketides and fatty acids, which are essential for cellular structures and functions.
Claisen Condensation
Claisen condensation is an organic reaction that forms a new carbon-carbon bond, producing a β-keto ester. It involves the condensation of two esters or one ester and a carbonyl compound in the presence of a strong base, forming a β-keto ester or a β-diketone. It was discovered by German chemist Ludwig Claisen in 1887. In this article, we will look into What Claisen Condensation is, its mechanism, examples, types, etc.