Question 2 - Draw the reaction with curved arrows- "Cross" or "mixed" aldol reactions are practical for synthesis if one of the aldehydes (or ketones) has no α-hydrogen atoms. You can use any reaction scheme that demonstrates this principle.
In your experiment, 1-indanone (with α-hydrogens) reacted with 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (no α-hydrogens) in a crossed aldol condensation. Explain why the absence of α-hydrogens on 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde makes the reaction selective.
Draw the reaction scheme showing enolate formation from 1-indanone, attack on 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, and dehydration to give (E)-2-(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-1-indanone.