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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Aldol reactions?

Also known as: aldol addition · aldol · aldol condensation

Definition 25.10 University Chemistry — Year 2 · Chapter 25 — Enols, Enolates and the Aldol Reaction

In an aldol addition the enolate (or enol) of one carbonyl compound adds to the carbonyl group of another, giving a β\beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound, an aldol. In an aldol condensation the aldol loses water, giving an α,β\alpha,\beta-unsaturated carbonyl compound (an enone or enal).

The aldol reaction of ethanal. The enolate adds to a second molecule of ethanal; protonation gives the aldol, 3-hydroxybutanal. On heating with base, an hydrogen is removed and hydroxide leaves from the carbon: but-2-enal, conjugated. The aldol reaction of ethanal. The enolate adds to a second molecule of ethanal; protonation gives the aldol, 3-hydroxybutanal. On heating with base, an hydrogen is removed and hydroxide leaves from the carbon: but-2-enal, conjugated.
The aldol reaction of ethanal. The enolate adds to a second molecule of ethanal; protonation gives the aldol, 3-hydroxybutanal. On heating with base, an α\alpha hydrogen is removed and hydroxide leaves from the β\beta carbon: but-2-enal, conjugated.
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