Aldol Condensation Reactions Mechanism
Aldol condensation is a reaction between two aldehydes or ketones to form a β-hydroxy ketone or aldehyde. The reaction is catalyzed by a base and proceeds through a two-step mechanism:
1. Nucleophilic addition of the enolate anion: The base abstracts a proton from one of the aldehydes or ketones, forming an enolate anion. The enolate anion then attacks the carbonyl carbon of the other aldehyde or ketone, forming a new carbon-carbon bond.
2. Proton transfer: The proton on the oxygen of the enolate anion is transferred to the oxygen of the carbonyl group, forming a β-hydroxy ketone or aldehyde.
The aldol condensation reaction is a useful method for constructing carbon-carbon bonds and is used in the synthesis of a variety of organic compounds, including sugars, steroids, and pharmaceuticals.