In a lab a solvent free Claisen condensation reaction between ethyl phenyl aceta

Question

In a lab a solvent free Claisen condensation reaction between ethyl phenyl acetate and base was used. Since it is solvent free, it occurs relatively fast, with good yield. if this reaction were to be done with a solvent (in solution), why would it take so long? and why would the yield be so low? I believe it has something do for with the equilibrium between the esters and ester enolate strongly favours the ester, so if there is no enolate, the reaction will not happen. Can soemone confirm or refute for me pls. Thanks in advance

Explanation / Answer

The using of solvent favors the product in Claisen condensation reaction although it is a slow reaction. But if the solvent is not used, the product is not sure and sometimes it may lead to forming some other product also. Here solvent usage is compulsory because the base use must not be interfered in the reaction by undergoing nucleophilic substitution or addition of ester.

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