Aldol Condensation

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Aldol condensation requires compounds possessing:

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1. **Role of Base**: In an Aldol reaction, dilute alkali ($NaOH$ or $KOH$) is used to abstract a proton.
2. **$\alpha$-Hydrogen**: This proton must be taken from the carbon atom adjacent to the carbonyl group (the $\alpha$-carbon).
3. **Intermediate**: The loss of this proton creates a **resonance-stabilized Enolate ion**.
4. **Nucleophilicity**: The enolate behaves as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of another aldehyde/ketone molecule.
5. **Requirement**: Without at least one **$\alpha$-hydrogen**, the enolate cannot form, and the reaction cannot proceed. For example, Methanal and Benzaldehyde do not undergo Aldol condensation (they undergo Cannizzaro instead).

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Aldol Condensation

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