In a basic medium, acetophenone yields a stable compound A with $C_2H_5ONa$. The structure of A is:

Question

Accepted Answer

Acetophenone ($C_6H_5COCH_3$) contains $\alpha$-hydrogens. In the presence of a strong base like sodium ethoxide ($C_2H_5ONa$), it undergoes **self-condensation** (Aldol condensation).

1.  **Enolate Formation:** The base abstracts an $\alpha$-proton from one molecule of acetophenone to form an enolate ion.
2.  **Nucleophilic Attack:** The enolate attacks the carbonyl carbon of another acetophenone molecule.
3.  **Dehydration:** The initial aldol product ($eta$-hydroxy ketone) loses a water molecule upon heating or in the stable basic medium to form an $\alpha,\beta$-unsaturated ketone.

The final product is **1,3-Diphenyl-2-buten-1-one** (common name: **Dypnone**).

Reaction:
$$ 2 C_6H_5COCH_3 \xrightarrow{C_2H_5ONa} C_6H_5C(CH_3)=CHCOC_6H_5 + H_2O $$

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