Which of the following statements describes the first step in the mechanism
of the aldol condensation?
(a) An alpha hydrogen is abstracted by the base to form an enolate anion.
(b) A nucleophilic base attacks the carbonyl carbon atom.
(c) The carbonyl oxygen is protonated by the base ion.
(d) The alpha hydrogen is abstracted by an acid to the enolate anion.
of the aldol condensation?
(a) An alpha hydrogen is abstracted by the base to form an enolate anion.
(b) A nucleophilic base attacks the carbonyl carbon atom.
(c) The carbonyl oxygen is protonated by the base ion.
(d) The alpha hydrogen is abstracted by an acid to the enolate anion.