Aldol condensation reaction: Aldol Condensation In some

Aldol Condensation In some cases, the adducts obtained from the Aldol Addition can easily be converted (in situ) to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, either thermally or under acidic or basic catalysis. The formation of the conjugated system is the driving force for this spontaneous dehydration. Under a variety of protocols, the condensation product can be obtained directly without isolation of the aldol. The aldol condensation is the second step of the Robinson Annulation. Aldol Condensation Aldol condensation is an important reaction in organic chemistry that involves the combination of aldehydes or ketones containing at least one α-hydrogen atom. This reaction leads to the formation of β-hydroxy aldehydes (aldols) or β-hydroxy ketones, which can further undergo dehydration to yield α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Aldol condensation is widely used in organic synthesis to create complex carbon skeletons. 1.0 Aldol Condensation Preliminary View In this tutorial we'll look at the aldol condensation reaction in both acidic and basic media going over the mechanism and important details. Aldehydes and ketones with an α hydrogen atom undergo a base-catalyzed carbonyl condensation reaction called the aldol reaction. For example, treatment of acetaldehyde with a base such as sodium ethoxide or sodium hydroxide in a protic solvent leads to rapid and reversible formation of 3-hydroxybutanal, known commonly as aldol (ald ehyde ...