Reaction Involved:
- The reaction shown is an aldol condensation.
- It occurs when aldehydes or ketones (with at least one \(\alpha\)-hydrogen) react in the presence of a base (here, dilute NaOH) to form a \(\beta\)-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone.
Mechanism:
- Step 1: Formation of an enolate ion from one aldehyde molecule (here, acetaldehyde) by abstraction of an \(\alpha\)-hydrogen.
- Step 2: The enolate ion acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl group of another aldehyde molecule, forming a \(\beta\)-hydroxy aldehyde (the product shown).
Answer:
- The correct option is (2) Aldol condensation.
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