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What is Aldol Condensation? Mechanism, Applications

In this blog, we will understand completely Aldol condensation, and its mechanism as well as cross aldol condensation with related examples. It is the reaction commonly used to manufacture many solvents such as alcohol and diacetone. It is also used in perfume manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing & also the preparation of aromatic ketones.

What is Aldol Condensation?

Aldol condensation is basically derived from two words “Aldol” and “condensation”. “Aldol” is basically an organic compound that is a colorless beta-hydroxy aldehyde C4H8O2 that is specially used to prepare organic compounds and “condensation” is a reaction in which two molecules are combined to form a single molecule (acid anhydride) and release water called a condensation reaction.

For Example Reaction of acetic acid form acetic anhydride & forms water by condensation reaction.

Defining Aldol Condensation

Basically, this reaction occurs in aldehyde. aldehyde having Alpha hydrogen reacts with a dilute base to give beta-hydroxy aldehyde called an aldol. So condensation of aldol and releasing of water is called aldol condensation.

OR/=

In the presence of a base or dilute acid molecules of aldehyde or ketones containing Alpha hydrogen condensers together to form beta-hydroxy aldehyde or beta-hydroxy ketone, generally called aldols. This reaction is called Aldol Condensation.

A general reaction of Aldol condensation is as follows:

Aldol condensation

Mechanism of Aldol Condensation

The Mechanism of an Aldol condensation occurs in five steps:

  • First of all, the hydroxide ion deprotonates the aldehyde & enolate ion is formed.
  • Now, enolate ion forms add or react with an unreacted aldehyde to form an alkoxide ion.
  • Alkoxide ion is then protonated by water to form aldol.
  • So, the small amount of aldol present is first converted into again enolate ion by a hydroxide ion.
  • So, the enolate ion losses a hydroxide ion to form ∝-B, unsaturated aldehyde.
Aldol Condensation
Aldol Condensation
Aldol Condensation
Aldol Condensation
Aldol Condensation

The fundamental concept

A fundamental concept of Aldol condensation may include two reactions:

1. Aldol Reaction:

It is the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone enolate with another molecule of aldehyde in presence of a strong base like NaOH, or KOH to form B-hydroxy aldehyde.

2. Dehydration Reaction

Now, this time when B-hydroxy aldehyde is formed involves the removal of water to form alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehyde or an alpha, beta-unsaturated ketone.

Acid & Base catalyzed Reaction

Previously, there discussed the general mechanism of Aldol condensation. Alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehydes, or ketones can also be prepared by using an Acid-catalyzed reaction and base-catalyzed reaction. Following is the mechanism of Acid and base-catalyzed reaction.

The mechanism for Acid catalyzed reaction

In the mechanism of the acid-catalyzed reaction, two processes occur, i.e. Aldol and dehydration. In the formation of aldol, the enolate formed is first of all deprotonated and H+ removed. The enolate then reacted in the presence of proton (acid) to form protonated carbonyl compound which can act as an electrophile. The enolate will act as a nucleophile. This electrophile and nucleophile may react with each other to form an intermediate which gives Aldol by removal of proton H+.

But in the next reaction, dehydration occurs which includes the removal of water. The aldol formed having an OH group may react with Hydrogen to form H2O. This water molecule is then dehydrated from the compound to give alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone.

The mechanism for Base catalyzed reaction

This reaction also requires the formation of aldol and the dehydration process. In the first step, An aldehyde may react with OCH3. This having lone pairs on oxygen removes Hydrogen from an aldehyde. Then enolate is formed, oxygen shares its lone pair next to its carbon, and the bond is shifted by delocalization of electron (resonance). To attach with any other functional group there should be a vacant empty space so HOCH3 may react with enolate to form Aldols.

But in the dehydration process, aldol formed releases a proton to form enolate of aldol which removes OH- to form alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehyde, or ketones.

Application of Aldol Condensation

Aldol condensation involves many applications. It is also used to manufacture:

  • Enzymatic synthesis of fatty acids.
  • Total synthesis of epothilone.
  • The high polymer of Poly glutaraldehyde.
  • Synthesis of Ionophore antibiotics.
  • Synthesis of Distoadines A & B

Example & Types

The reaction between Benzaldehyde and Acetophenone is the best example of Aldol condensation. Aldol Condensation may be of the following types:

  • Perkin reaction, aromatic enolate is formed by anhydride.
  • Calisen condensation
  • Henry reaction
  • Dieckmann Condensation
  • Japp-Maitland condensation.

Bilal kamboh

A pioneer in the Chemistry space, Bilal is the Content writer at UO Chemists. Driven by a mission to Success, Bilal is best known for inspiring speaking skills to the passion for delivering his best. He loves running and taking fitness classes, and he is doing strength training also loves outings.

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