91Ó°ÊÓ

The reaction between two carbonyl compounds (two molecules of an aldehyde (or a ketone)) in the presence of a strong base yielding a beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound is known as an aldol reaction.

The mechanism of a general aldol reaction is provided below:

Aldol reaction

a. Two molecules of phenylacetaldehyde react in the presence of a base to yield the corresponding beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound (aldehyde).

Aldol reaction of a.

b. Two molecules of 3,3-Dimethylbutyraldehyde react in the presence of a base to yield the corresponding beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound (aldehyde).

Aldol reaction of b.

c. Two molecules of acetone react in the presence of a base to yield the corresponding beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound (ketone).

Aldol reaction of c.

d. Two molecules of cyclohexanone react in the presence of a base to yield the corresponding beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound (ketone).

Aldol reaction of d.