Why is the Aldol reaction often called an Aldol condensation?
A)The initially formed b-hydroxy carbonyl compound loses a hydroxyl group.
B)The initially formed b-hydroxy carbonyl compound loses an oxygen atom.
C)The initially formed b-hydroxy carbonyl compound loses a hydrogen atom.
D)The initially formed b-hydroxy carbonyl compound loses water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "condensation" is used because the reaction involves the elimination of a small molecule, in this case water, from the two reactants (an aldehyde or a ketone and a carbonyl compound containing an α-hydrogen) to form a larger molecule. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it describes the loss of water during the reaction.

Why Is the Aldol Reaction Often Called an Aldol Condensation