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Aldol Condensation
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The Aldol Condensation is a fundamental organic reaction that forms a carbon-carbon bond between two carbonyl compounds, typically an aldehyde and a ketone, or two molecules of the same carbonyl compound. It proceeds in two main steps:
1. Aldol Addition: The enolate ion of one carbonyl compound attacks the carbonyl group of the other, forming an aldol (an alcohol with an aldehyde or ketone group).
2. Dehydration: The aldol product undergoes dehydration (loss of water) to form an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. This is often promoted by heat or acid catalysis.
The Aldol Condensation is a versatile reaction used in the synthesis of a wide range of organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, and natural products.
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