title: Dimedone
text: # Dimedone
  
  Dimedone is an organic compound with the formula $(CH_3)_2C(CH_2)_2(CO)_2(CH_2).$ Classified as a cyclic diketone, it is a derivative of 1,3-cyclohexanedione. It is a white solid that is soluble in water, as well as ethanol and methanol. It once was used as a reagent to test for the aldehyde functional group.
  
  ## Synthesis
  
  Dimedone is prepared from mesityl oxide and diethyl malonate via a Michael addition reaction.
  
  ## Chemical properties
  
  ### Tautomerism
  
  Dimedone is in equilibrium with its tautomer in solution — in a 2:1 keto to enol ratio in chloroform.
  
  Crystalline dimedone contains chains of molecules, in the enol form, linked by hydrogen bonds:
  
  ### Reaction with aldehydes
  
  Dimedone reacts with aldehydes to give crystalline derivatives, whose melting points can be used to distinguish between aldehydes.
  
  