Question

Equation of aldol condensation and mechanism

Answer 1

Aldol Condensation can be defined as an organic reaction in which enolate ion reacts with a carbonyl compound to form β-hydroxyketone or β-hydroxyaldehyde, followed by a dehydration to give a conjugated enone. Aldol Condensation plays a vital role in the organic synthesis, creating a path to form carbon-carbon bonds.



General Aldol Condensation Reaction

One of the common examples for base-catalyzed aldol condensation is stated below in which catalyst generally used is hydroxide ion.



Mechanism of Aldol Condensation

In reverse order, The hydroxide ion deprotonates the aldehyde.



Here Enolate ion 1 adds to the unreacted aldehyde.



Alkoxide ion 2 is protonated by water.



A small amount of aldol is converted into enolate ion (4) by hydroxide ion.



Here Enolate Ion(4) loses a hydroxide ion.



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