Algor Cards

Aldol Condensation

Concept Map

Algorino

Edit available

Aldol Condensation is an essential organic chemistry reaction that forms carbon-carbon bonds, pivotal in synthesizing complex molecules. It involves aldehydes or ketones undergoing addition and dehydration to yield valuable compounds for pharmaceuticals, plastics, and more. Variations like Crossed and Acid-Catalyzed Aldol Condensation expand its utility, making it a key topic in chemistry education and industry applications.

Fundamentals of Aldol Condensation

Aldol Condensation is a key organic reaction that creates a carbon-carbon bond, essential for the synthesis of complex molecules used in a variety of applications, including the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and plastics. The reaction typically involves an aldehyde or ketone with at least one alpha-hydrogen atom reacting in the presence of a base or an acid to form a beta-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone, known as an aldol. Upon heating, this intermediate can undergo a dehydration step, losing a molecule of water to form an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. These compounds are valuable in the chemical industry due to their versatility and reactivity.
Glass flask on laboratory bench with vibrant yellow liquid and swirl in center, dropper above and bunch of purple grapes to right.

Mechanistic Insight into Aldol Condensation

The Aldol Condensation proceeds through two distinct stages: Aldol Addition and Dehydration. Initially, a base, often a hydroxide ion, deprotonates the alpha-carbon of a carbonyl compound to generate a resonance-stabilized enolate ion. This enolate ion then acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of another molecule, leading to the formation of an aldol. In the subsequent dehydration step, the aldol loses a molecule of water, typically under acidic conditions or upon heating, to yield an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. This mechanism is fundamental to the synthesis of a wide array of important organic compounds.

Show More

Want to create maps from your material?

Enter text, upload a photo, or audio to Algor. In a few seconds, Algorino will transform it into a conceptual map, summary, and much more!

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

00

In the presence of a base or acid, an aldehyde or ketone with an alpha-hydrogen atom can react to form a ______, which may dehydrate to yield an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.

beta-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone

01

Initial step in Aldol Condensation

Base deprotonates alpha-carbon, forming enolate ion.

02

Enolate ion role in Aldol Addition

Enolate acts as nucleophile, attacks carbonyl carbon, forms aldol.

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Can't find what you were looking for?

Search for a topic by entering a phrase or keyword