Reactions at the alpha carbonyl position with enolate intermediates occur in many reactions!
This includes but is not limited to: Alpha-Halogenation, Haloform & Idoform tests, Aldol, Claisen Condensation and more.
Once you grasp enolate anion formation, it’s reactivity and stability, you’ll have the clarity you need to master the upcoming reactions. This video also covers common enolate pKa values, with a logical stability ranking to help you avoid pKa memorizations.
(Watch on YouTube: Enolate Formation & Stability. Click cc on the bottom right for video transcript)
Watch Next Video: Alpha Halogenation Reaction of Ketones and Aldehydes
This is video 1 in the Enolates and Reactions at the Alpha Carbon Series. Click for complete series.
Claisen condensation is a fun reaction used to form a beta keto ester when reacting esters in a strong base.
Intramolecular Aldol condensations happen when a single molecule contains 2 reaction aldehyde/ketone groups. When the alpha carbon of one group attacks the other, the molecule attacks itself forming a ring structure.
A mixed or cross aldol reaction uses 2 different starting aldehydes or ketones for a potential mess of 4 different products. This video shows you how to quickly identify all 4 possible products as well as how to control reaction conditions to help limit the number of products formed.
Aldol reaction mechanisms are long and tedious! Once you’ve mastered the 
Aldol reactions are useful in organic chemistry synthesis for creating new carbon to carbon bonds.
The Haloform Reaction is a very specific type of alpha halogenation reaction. This reaction takes place at the methyl ketone turning the methyl into a good haloform leaving group.
Carbonyl groups provide a great starting point for synthesis reactions due to the reactivity at the alpha carbon position.
