Reaction Scheme
aldehyde or ketone + aldehyde or ketone -> alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonylBase or acid catalysis; heat often promotes dehydration.
Primary reaction SMILES: CC=O.CC=O>>C/C=C/C=O
Organic reaction
Aldol Condensation
Aldol condensation forms a carbon-carbon bond through enolate addition to a carbonyl compound, followed by dehydration to an alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone.
Two Common Examples
Acetaldehyde aldol condensation
Acetaldehyde can form crotonaldehyde after aldol addition and dehydration.
Acetone self-condensation
Acetone can form mesityl oxide under basic conditions after dehydration.
When to Use MolDraw
Use MolDraw to sketch reactants, products, arrows, and labels for aldol examples, then export the scheme for reports or teaching notes.