Claisen condensation

The Claisen condensation is a chemical reaction where two molecules of a carboxylic ester with two alpha hydrogens combine to form a beta-keto ester. This reaction is facilitated by a strong base, such as sodium ethoxide.1

A condensation reaction, in general, involves the formation of a single bond between two molecules or parts of a molecule, accompanied by the elimination of a small molecule like water or an alcohol. This type of reaction is common in polymerization processes, such as the production of nylon-6,6.2

Carboxylic esters are a class of organic compounds that can be synthesized through various methods, including Fischer esterification, where a carboxylic acid and an alcohol are heated with an acid catalyst. They can also be formed by reacting an alcohol with an acyl chloride or anhydride.3