Predict the major product of the reaction between ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_5\text{CHO}$ and ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_5{\text{COCH}}_3$ in the presence of dilute $\text{NaOH}$.

Solution

1. The reaction is across-aldol condensation known as the Claisen-Schmidt reaction.
2. Acetophenone provides the enolate nucleophile while benzaldehyde acts as the electrophile.
3. The initial aldol product undergoes dehydration to form the conjugated enone.
4. The product is ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_5{\text{CH=CHCOC}}_6{\text{H}}_5$.
5. Hence the answer is (A).