2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-hexanal is a symmetric aldol reaction. Examine the product and determine which bond may be formed to link the two aldehydes. Keep in mind the mechanism and identify the nucleophile and the electrophile.

How does the value of the equilibrium constant show that a reaction reaches equilibrium very quickly? (a) the equilibrium constant is large. (b) the equilibrium constant is small. (c) the equilibrium constant is zero. (d) the value of the equilibrium constant does not show how quickly a reaction comes to equilibrium.