What is the correct order of reagents for synthesizing dibenzalacetone?

To synthesize dibenzalacetone through an aldol condensation reaction, the order of reagents is critical to ensure proper formation of the desired product. Initially, sodium hydroxide serves as a base to deprotonate acetone, generating an acetone enolate. This enolate is then nucleophilic and can attack the carbonyl carbon of benzaldehyde.

In the correct order, sodium hydroxide is added first to create the reactive enolate ion. Once this is formed, benzaldehyde is introduced, allowing the nucleophile (the enolate) to perform a nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group of benzaldehyde, forming the first aldol product. Following this, acetone is added again to allow for the formation of a second enolate and subsequent nucleophilic attack, leading to the formation of dibenzalacetone.

This sequence is essential because introducing the reagents in the wrong order could prevent the formation of the necessary enolate or lead to side reactions, making it harder to achieve the desired compound. Additionally, using ethanol as solvent often helps to solubilize the reagents and can facilitate the reaction. Hence, the answer that includes sodium hydroxide first, followed by benzaldehyde and then