`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 of determining the number of products formed in the reaction of CH₃CHO (acetaldehyde) with CH₃CH₂CHO (butanal) in the presence of dilute NaOH, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reaction Type
The reaction between aldehydes in the presence of a base (dilute NaOH) is known as aldol condensation. This reaction can lead to both self-condensation and cross-condensation products.

**Hint:** Remember that aldol condensation involves the formation of β-hydroxy aldehydes or ketones, which can further dehydrate to form α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.

### Step 2: Self-Condensation of CH₃CHO
First, let's consider the self-condensation of acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO):
- Two molecules of CH₃CHO can react.
- One molecule acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of another molecule, leading to the formation of 3-hydroxybutanal (CH₃CH(OH)CH₂CHO).
- This product can then lose a water molecule (dehydration) to form crotonaldehyde (CH₃CH=CHCHO).

**Hint:** For self-condensation, look for the formation of a β-hydroxy aldehyde followed by dehydration.

### Step 3: Self-Condensation of CH₃CH₂CHO
Next, consider the self-condensation of butanal (CH₃CH₂CHO):
- Two molecules of CH₃CH₂CHO can react similarly.
- This leads to the formation of 3-hydroxy-2-methylbutanal (CH₃CH(OH)CH₂CH₂CHO).
- Upon dehydration, this product forms 3-methylcrotonaldehyde (CH₃C(CH₃)=CHCHO).

**Hint:** Self-condensation will yield another β-hydroxy aldehyde that can also undergo dehydration.

### Step 4: Cross-Condensation Products
Now, let's consider the cross-condensation products:
1. **Cross product from CH₃CHO and CH₃CH₂CHO:**
- One molecule of CH₃CHO can react with one molecule of CH₃CH₂CHO.
- This leads to the formation of 3-hydroxy-2-methylbutanal (CH₃C(OH)(CH₂CHO)CH₂CHO).
- Upon dehydration, it forms 3-methylcrotonaldehyde (CH₃C(CH₃)=CHCHO).

2. **Another cross product:**
- The other cross product can be formed similarly, leading to a different structure but still resulting in a similar dehydrated product.

**Hint:** Cross-condensation products can be formed by mixing different aldehydes, leading to unique β-hydroxy products.

### Step 5: Count the Unique Products
From the above reactions, we can summarize:
- From self-condensation of CH₃CHO: 1 product (crotonaldehyde).
- From self-condensation of CH₃CH₂CHO: 1 product (3-methylcrotonaldehyde).
- From cross-condensation: 2 unique products (both leading to similar structures).

Thus, the total number of unique products, excluding stereoisomers, is **4**.

### Final Answer
The total number of products formed in the reaction is **4**.