For 10 points -- name this reaction of an ester enolate with another molecule of the ester, the ester analogue of aldol condensation.
Common catalysts for it include citrate synthase and malate synthase. It is often followed by a conjugate addition to alpha-beta-unsaturated carbonyls, or Michael addition. It begins with an acid-base reaction, where an alkoxide functions as base and removes an acidic alpha-hydrogen, followed by a nucleophilic substitution with a tetrahedral intermediate, and finally the formation of the product, a beta ketoester. For 10 points -- name this reaction of an ester enolate with another molecule of the ester, the ester analogue of aldol condensation.
Common catalysts for it include citrate synthase and malate synthase.
Claisen condensation