{"knowledge_schema": {"broad_category": "Chemistry \u2192 Organic Chemistry \u2192 Reactions and Mechanisms", "refinement": "This problem involves the reaction of a ketone with an \u03b1,\u03b2-unsaturated ester in a base-catalyzed reaction, specifically focusing on aldol-type condensation reactions.", "specific_scope": "The reaction involves 3-methyl-2-pentanone and methyl acrylate in the presence of sodium hydroxide, leading to the formation of a product that considers steric hindrance and stability.", "goal": "Identify the major product of the reaction based on the structure of the reactants and the principles of organic chemistry."}, "summary": "This organic chemistry problem involves the reaction of 3-methyl-2-pentanone with methyl acrylate in a base-catalyzed reaction. The focus is on determining the major product by considering steric hindrance and product stability. The correct answer is Methyl 3-(3-methyl-2-oxopentyl)propanoate, which results from the reaction mechanism that favors the formation of this product due to its stability and lower steric hindrance compared to the other candidates."}