`CH_(3)CHO+CH_(3)CH_(2)CHOoverset(dil. NaOH)rarr`
The number of product `(s)` in the above reaction is ( are) ( excluding stereoisomers )

Options

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the reaction between two aldehydes, CH₃CHO (acetaldehyde) and CH₃CH₂CHO (propionaldehyde), in the presence of dilute NaOH. This reaction will lead to aldol condensation. Let's break down the steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in the reaction are:
- Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)
- Propionaldehyde (CH₃CH₂CHO)

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Type
The reaction involves aldol condensation, which occurs when aldehydes react in the presence of a base (here, dilute NaOH). This reaction can lead to self-condensation (where one aldehyde reacts with itself) or cross-condensation (where two different aldehydes react).

### Step 3: Self-Condensation of Acetaldehyde
1. **Nucleophile Formation**: In the presence of NaOH, acetaldehyde can form a nucleophile (an enolate ion) by deprotonation.
2. **Nucleophilic Attack**: The nucleophile can attack another molecule of acetaldehyde.
3. **Aldol Product Formation**: This leads to the formation of 3-hydroxybutanal (an aldol).
4. **Dehydration**: The aldol can then dehydrate to form crotonaldehyde (but-2-enal).

### Step 4: Self-Condensation of Propionaldehyde
1. **Nucleophile Formation**: Similarly, propionaldehyde can also form a nucleophile.
2. **Nucleophilic Attack**: The nucleophile can attack another molecule of propionaldehyde.
3. **Aldol Product Formation**: This leads to the formation of 3-hydroxybutanal.
4. **Dehydration**: The aldol can then dehydrate to form 2-methylbut-2-enal.

### Step 5: Cross-Condensation
1. **Nucleophile Formation**: The nucleophile from acetaldehyde can attack propionaldehyde.
2. **Aldol Product Formation**: This leads to the formation of 3-hydroxy-2-methylbutanal.
3. **Dehydration**: The aldol can then dehydrate to form 2-methyl-3-butenal.

### Summary of Products
From the above steps, we can summarize the products formed:
1. Crotonaldehyde (from self-condensation of acetaldehyde)
2. 2-Methylbut-2-enal (from self-condensation of propionaldehyde)
3. 2-Methyl-3-butenal (from cross-condensation)

### Final Count of Unique Products
We have identified three unique products from the reaction:
1. Crotonaldehyde
2. 2-Methylbut-2-enal
3. 2-Methyl-3-butenal

### Conclusion
Thus, the total number of products (excluding stereoisomers) formed in the reaction is **3**.