How can the best yield of product be obtained in a condensation reaction?
that depends on the reaction. A “condensation reaction” is a reaction where two molecules come together and form a larger molecule and a smaller one. The larger molecule is the reaction “product” and the smaller one is a by-product. A dehydration reaction is a specific example of a reaction that forms water as the by-product. Removing the water will drive the reaction forward. For that matter, clean “dry” glassware is critical to yield in most condensation reactions because of competing reactions. In addition, many “condensation reactions” occur in multiple steps where each step requires particular controls. such as pH and temperature. The Diels-Alder condensation reaction has higher yield at cold temperatures and high pH. Esterification is technically a condensation reaction since a carboxylic acid and an alcohol combine to form a more complex ester plus water. The ester is the product and water is a by product. Fischer esterification requires high temp, low pH and removal of water. D
