Aldol Condensation Reaction Lecture

Aldol condensation is a typical and significant type of reaction that affects the alpha-position of carbonyl compounds. The aldol product, also known as the beta-hydroxy carbonyl, is created in a typical aldol condensation when an enolate (under basic conditions) or an enol (under acidic conditions) functions as nucleophiles and reacts with another carbonyl compound present in the solution. This is often the end result that is produced when the simplest criteria are met. Aldol, however, can go through a dehydration reaction in an acidic environment to create a different product known as the alpha,beta-unsaturated product. It should be noted that the dehydration reaction can also occur in simple situations if the temperature is raised high enough.