What is Aldol Condensation?
Aldol condensation is a condensation reaction in organic chemistry that involves the nucleophilic addition of a ketone enolate to an aldehyde, forming a β-hydroxy ketone or aldol (aldehyde + alcohol). The reaction is followed by dehydration to form an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.
In this condensation, two carbonyl moieties of aldehydes or ketones are involved. If these carbonyl compounds are different then it is known as crossed aldol condensation.
Aldol condensation is widely used in organic synthesis to form carbon-carbon bonds and create complex molecules. It is also used in biological and medicinal areas, such as in the synthesis of fatty acids.
Aldol Condensation
Aldol Condensation is a condensation reaction in organic chemistry in which an enol or an enolate ion reacts with a carbonyl compound to form a β-hydroxy aldehyde or β-hydroxy ketone. This reaction is followed by dehydration to give a conjugate enone.
In this article, we will explore aldol condensation, its mechanism, examples, types, and applications.
Table of Content
- What is Aldol Condensation?
- Mechanism of Aldol Condensation
- Types of Aldol Condensation
- Examples of Aldol Condensation
- Applications of Aldol Condensation