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Multiple Choice
Predict the major, organic product for the following reaction.
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the starting material as an ester with a beta-keto group, which is a common substrate for Claisen condensation reactions.
Recognize that the first step involves the use of sodium ethoxide (NaOEt) in ethanol (EtOH), which acts as a base to deprotonate the alpha hydrogen of the ester, forming an enolate ion.
Understand that the enolate ion formed will attack the carbonyl carbon of another ester molecule, leading to the formation of a beta-keto ester intermediate.
Note that the second step involves an acid quench (H+), which will protonate the alkoxide ion formed during the reaction, stabilizing the beta-keto ester product.
Consider the stereochemistry of the product, as the reaction can lead to the formation of a chiral center, resulting in a racemic mixture (indicated by the (+/-) notation in the product structures).