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Multiple Choice
Give the structure of the ester precursor for the following Claisen condensation product.
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Identify the Claisen condensation product structure. The product shown is an ester with a β-keto group, indicating it is formed from two ester molecules.
Recognize that in a Claisen condensation, two ester molecules react to form a β-keto ester. The reaction involves the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond between the α-carbon of one ester and the carbonyl carbon of another.
Analyze the product structure to determine the two ester precursors. The product has a phenyl group and an ethyl ester group, suggesting one precursor is ethyl benzoate.
Consider the second ester precursor. The product has an additional ethyl ester group and a methyl group adjacent to the carbonyl, indicating the second precursor is ethyl acetate.
Verify the precursors by mentally reconstructing the Claisen condensation reaction: ethyl benzoate and ethyl acetate react, with the enolate ion of ethyl acetate attacking the carbonyl carbon of ethyl benzoate, forming the observed β-keto ester product.