Aldol Addition and Condensation: Enolate Chemistry to β‑Hydroxy Carbonyls: Mechanism + Exam Traps

Form C–C bonds via aldol: enolate + carbonyl → β‑hydroxy carbonyl (aldol addition) and dehydration → α,β‑unsaturated carbonyl (aldol condensation).

  • Reaction: Aldol Addition and Condensation: Enolate Chemistry to β‑Hydroxy Carbonyls
  • What it does: Form C–C bonds via aldol: enolate + carbonyl → β‑hydroxy carbonyl (aldol addition) and dehydration → α,β‑unsaturated carbonyl (aldol condensation).
  • Typical reagents: NaOH, heat (aldol condensation)
  • Key intermediate: Enolate
  • Driving force: Stabilized enolate formation and C–C bond formation
  • Exam type: Predict major product
  • Exam type: Mechanism choice

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