{"knowledge_schema": {"broad_category": "Chemistry \u2192 Organic Chemistry \u2192 Reaction Mechanisms", "refinement": "This problem involves the reaction of a ketone with an \u03b1,\u03b2-unsaturated ester in the presence of a base, leading to a nucleophilic addition followed by a condensation reaction.", "specific_scope": "The focus is on the reaction between 3-methyl-2-pentanone and methyl acrylate, considering steric hindrance and stability of the resulting products.", "goal": "Identify the major product formed from the reaction, taking into account the stability and steric factors that influence the outcome."}, "summary": "This organic chemistry problem involves the reaction of 3-methyl-2-pentanone with methyl acrylate in the presence of NaOH, leading to a nucleophilic addition and subsequent product formation. The task is to determine the major product by considering steric hindrance and the stability of the resulting compounds. The correct answer is Methyl 3-(3-methyl-2-oxopentyl)propanoate, which is favored due to its stability and lower steric hindrance compared to the other candidates."}