why is it easier to dehydrate aldol
Dear Student,
Aldol contains an alcohol as well as aldehydic group. Now, dehydration is elimination reaction. The alpha H in aldol, which is alpha to -OH is acidic as it is sandwiched between the -OH and carbonyl group.
The carbonyl group is electron withdrawing and it makes the hydrogen acidic. This leads to the removal of -OH to give double bond.
Aldol contains an alcohol as well as aldehydic group. Now, dehydration is elimination reaction. The alpha H in aldol, which is alpha to -OH is acidic as it is sandwiched between the -OH and carbonyl group.
The carbonyl group is electron withdrawing and it makes the hydrogen acidic. This leads to the removal of -OH to give double bond.