The aldol condensation reaction is an organic reaction introduced by Charles Wurtz, who first prepared the β-hydroxy aldehyde from acetaldehdye in 1872.1 In an aldol condensation, an enolate ion reacts with a carbonyl compound in the presence of acid/base catalyst to form a β-hydroxy aldehyde or β-hydroxy ketone, followed by dehydration to give a conjugated enone. It is a useful carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction. The fundamental steps of the aldol condensation reaction are:
2. Dehydration/Elimination reaction — Involves removal of a water molecule from the β-hydroxy aldehyde (or ketone) to form an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde or an α,β-unsaturated ketone.
Please consult the Safety Data Sheet for information regarding hazards and safe handling practices.
The Aldol condensation reaction can be used for the following syntheses:
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