How do i obtain benzalacetone from Benzaldehyde and acetone?

Answer 1

In a mixture of acetone and freshly distilled benzaldehyde, add aqueous NaOH from dropping funnel - while the solution is stirred, and cooled by a water bath (such that temp of 25–31°C is maintained). Then, stir the mixture further for two and one-quarter hours at room temperature. Then, add HCl until the mixture is acid to litmus. The two layers which form are separated in a separatory funnel. The lower aqueous layer is extracted with benzene. The benzene is then removed by distilling from a steam bath, and the residue is distilled under reduced pressure. The material which distils at 148–160° /25 mm., 133–143° /16 mm., or 120–130° /7 mm. weighs 430–470 g.; it solidifies to a crystalline mass on standing, and is pure enough for all practical purposes. This is your benzalacetone.