Question

Aldol condensation

Compare the Wittig reaction to the aldol condensation (you should provide at least three similarities and three differences)

Answer 1

differences

aldol condensations yield the trans double bond

whereas wittig reaction yield the both cis and trans mixture

aldol condensation is atom econamy reaction means

if two carbonyl compounds combaine and will give the product with just loss of water molecule

where as wittig reaction is not atom aconamy reaction

because it will yield the bi product with huge molecular weight (Ph3P=O triphenyl phosphene oxide)

aldol condenstion mechanism involves the enolate formation as a intermeiate

whereas in wittig reaction betain intermediate

in aldol condensation side reactions are possible like inter nad intramolecular aldol reaction

where as in wittig reaction on ly one product there is no any side reactions

similarities

both the reactions can yielded the alpha beta unsaturated carbonyl compounds

in mechanism both will involve the nucleophilic addition of anion to the carbonyl compound

both are the C-C bond forming reactions