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Dibenzalacetone Synthesis Report

The laboratory report details the preparation of dibenzalacetone through a crossed aldol condensation reaction between acetone and benzaldehyde using sodium hydroxide. The experiment involved specific materials and methods, including the use of ethanol as a reaction medium and ethyl acetate for recrystallization. Observations noted a color change and the formation of a yellow, cloudy precipitate, which eventually led to the growth of large dark red crystals upon filtration.

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Milverose Yrad
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5 views1 page

Dibenzalacetone Synthesis Report

The laboratory report details the preparation of dibenzalacetone through a crossed aldol condensation reaction between acetone and benzaldehyde using sodium hydroxide. The experiment involved specific materials and methods, including the use of ethanol as a reaction medium and ethyl acetate for recrystallization. Observations noted a color change and the formation of a yellow, cloudy precipitate, which eventually led to the growth of large dark red crystals upon filtration.

Uploaded by

Milverose Yrad
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Milverose V.

Yrad Chem 26-B

Preparation of Dibenzalacetone
A laboratory report

I. Principle

This experiment involves a crossed aldol condensation reaction between acetone and
benzaldehyde in the presence of sodium hydroxide, a strong base. In this process, acetone forms
an enolate ion that functions as the nucleophile, while benzaldehyde, which lacks the ability to
enolize, acts as the electrophile. The reaction goes through a series of steps including enolate
formation, carbon-carbon bond formation, and elimination of water, ultimately producing
dibenzalacetone, an α,β-unsaturated compound stabilized by the extended conjugation involving
its two phenyl groups.

II. Materials and Methods

The materials used in this experiment included 0.0080 moles of acetone and 0.0160 moles of
benzaldehyde as the main reactants. Ethanol (95%) was used as the reaction medium while ethyl
acetate was used as the recrystallization solvent. The glassware and equipment used included 50
mL and 125 mL Erlenmeyer flasks, a hot plate, a water bath, and an ice bath.

III. Observations
During the experiment, the initial mixing of benzaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol into the cooled
sodium hydroxide solution led to a gradual color change, and after a few minutes of swirling, a
yellow, cloudy precipitate began to form. The mixture became increasingly turbid, indicating the
formation of the dibenzalacetone product. Large crystals started to form, and this was set aside to
for a few days. Upon filtration, the crystals grew larger and the color turned dark red.

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