jhullaert - 29-8-2009 at 01:58
Is it possible to do this reaction?
Formation of 1,5-dihydroxy-2,2,4,4-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)pentan-3-one. The tetrakis sounds so weird. 
not_important - 29-8-2009 at 03:21
yes, as a Web search would show you. A wide range of possible produces exists, depending on catalyst and conditions, your target is only mentioned as
a minor product if at all.
Aldol condensation reactions of acetone and formaldehyde over vanadium phosphate catalysts: Comments on the acid–base properties
http://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/CP/article.asp?doi=b1...
doi:10.1016/S0169-1317(98)00035-0
Aldol condensation of acetone over layered double hydroxides of the meixnerite type
doi:10.1016/S0169-1317(98)00035-0
jhullaert - 29-8-2009 at 04:13
Thanks a lot. Very interesting link.
What other ways are there to produce: 1,5-dihydroxy-2,2,4,4-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)pentan-3-one ?