What is the function of alcoholic solution in Claisen reaction?

Question

in the preparation of dibenzalacetone, an alcoholic solution such as an ethanol is required. this reaction contains 1 mol of acetone and 2 mol of benzaldehyde, the condensation reaction will occur in the present of base(NaOH) to produce dibenzalacetone. actually, what is the main function of an alcoholic solution in this reaction?

Answer 1

The ethanol serves as a polar solvent capable of hydrogen bonding, which stabilizes the intermediate reactant (enolate ion of acetone) and the intermediate anion products.  The ethanol is also a good solvent for the starting materials and the final product.  Finally, ethanol is a good solvent for water, 2 moles of which are eliminated for each mole of product formed.