"The Claisen condensation converts 2 molecules of an ester intoa ?-keto ester. The reaction starts with the ester in analkoxide/alcohol solution and is worked up with acid to form theneutral ?-keto ester product.
Show the curved-arrow mechanism for the Claisen condensation ofethyl ethanoate treated with ethoxide ion. Include all formalcharges and nonbonding electrons. In each step, draw only thespecies that react in that step. If an enolate resonance form ispossible, draw only the carbanionic form. If a CHx group is beingdeprotonated, draw all H\'s on the reacting site. Tip: always omitethanol byproducts."
This is what I thought was the answer to steps #2 and #4:
"The Claisen condensation converts 2 molecules of an ester into a ?-keto ester. The reaction starts with the ester in an alkoxide/alcohol solution and is worked up with acid to form the neutral ?-keto ester product. Show the curved-arrow mechanism for the Claisen condensation of ethyl ethanoate treated with ethoxide ion. Include all formal charges and nonbonding electrons. In each step, draw only the species that react in that step. If an enolate resonance form is possible, draw only the carbanionic form. If a CHx group is being deprotonated, draw all H\'s on the reacting site. Tip: always omit ethanol byproducts."
