Ketone Enolate Formation Depends on Base

Ketone α-alkylation depends on how the base forms the enolate ion. The reaction uses alkyl halides and a base. The enolate then acts as a nucleophile and undergoes nucleophilic substitution.

The base is the key factor in the reaction outcome. A base such as EtO− has a conjugate acid, EtOH, with p...

Recall that α-alkylation of ketones occurs via the generation of an enolate ion followed by a substitution reaction.

The enolate formation from ketones takes place in the presence of a base that plays a crucial role in deciding the reaction outcome.

A base whose conjugate acid is stronger than the ketone favors the reverse ...