[pharm.M.H]

  i wanna to ask about


formaldehyde and 2,2dimethylpropanal to form enol

[James Newby]

In order for something to form an enol there must be hydrogens on the beta carbon next to the aldehyde.

Formaldehyde has no carbons beta to the carbonyl and 2,2 dimethyl propanal has a quarternary carbon next to the aldehyde- no beta hydrogens.

Why do you ask about this?  If you would like more information on this research the Aldol reaction

[azmanam]

there must be hydrogens on the beta carbon next to the aldehyde.

you mean alpha carbon.

[James Newby]

Yes sorry, it gets confusing without a diagram! Protons adjacent to carbonyls are more acidic so proton transfer can occur creating the enol.

Pharm.M.H what are the problems associated with the Aldol reaction eg Ph-CO-Me and Ph-CO-Et under acidic conditions?

Can this Aldol reaction work under basic conditions as well?

[pharm.M.H]

  thanx everyone

i was confused when i saw the question
but i knew that the aswer will be if the compound has an alph hydrogen so it can form enol
Now i have a clear answer that the 2 comp  can not form enol

thanx to everybody