JEE Exam  >  JEE Notes  >  Aldol Condensation

Aldol Condensation - JEE PDF Download

What is Aldol Condensation?

Aldol condensation occurs in aldehydes having α-hydrogen with a dilute base to give β-hydroxy aldehydes called aldols. This reaction is most commonly known as aldol condensation. If the condensation reaction occurs between two different carbonyl compounds it is called crossed aldol condensation.

Aldol Condensation Reaction

Aldol Condensation can be defined as an organic reaction in which enolate ion reacts with a carbonyl compound to form β-hydroxy ketone or β-hydroxy aldehyde, followed by dehydration to give a conjugated enone. Aldol Condensation plays a vital role in organic synthesis, creating a path to form carbon-carbon bonds.
The general reaction of aldol condensation is
Aldol Condensation - JEE

One of the common examples for base-catalyzed aldol condensation is stated below in which catalyst generally used is hydroxide ion.
Aldol Condensation - JEE

Mechanism of Aldol Condensation

Step 1: In reverse order, The hydroxide ion deprotonates the aldehyde.
Aldol Condensation - JEE

Step 2: Here Enolate ion 1 adds to the unreacted aldehyde.
Aldol Condensation - JEE

Step 3: Alkoxide ion 2 is protonated by water.
Aldol Condensation - JEE

Step 4: A small amount of aldol is converted into enolate ion (4) by hydroxide ion.
Aldol Condensation - JEE

Step 5: Here Enolate Ion(4) loses a hydroxide ion.
Aldol Condensation - JEEStep 1 to step 3 illustrates the aldol reaction.

Crossed Aldol Condensation

  • The condensation reaction between two different molecules of an aldehyde or ketone in a protic solvent such as water or alcohol constitutes the crossed aldol reaction. When condensation is between two different carbonyl compounds, it is called crossed aldol condensation. When both aldehydes have alpha hydrogens, both can form carbanions and can also act as carbanion acceptors. Hence a mixture of four products is formed which has little synthetic value.
  • If one of the aldehydes has no alpha hydrogen then it can act only as a carbanion acceptor. In such a case, only two products are formed. A common substrate for the crossed aldol reaction is an aromatic aldehyde, which has no alpha position. Furthermore, dehydration of the initial condensation product is rapid which leads to the formation of the α, β – unsaturated ketone and prevents the retro-aldol reaction from taking place.
    Aldol Condensation - JEE
Download the notes
Aldol Condensation
Download as PDF
Download as PDF

Example of Cross Aldol Condensation:

Reaction between Benzaldehyde and Acetophenone:
The reaction between benzaldehyde and acetophenone undergo cross aldol condensation in presence of dil. NaOH.  In this reaction benzaldehyde have no alpha hydrogen but acetophenone have alpha hydrogen so its undergo aldol condensation form β-hydroxy ketone.  Furthermore, dehydration leads to the formation of the α, β – unsaturated ketone.
Aldol Condensation - JEE

Take a Practice Test
Test yourself on topics from JEE exam
Practice Now
Practice Now

Types of Condensation

It is important to differentiate aldol condensation from various reactions of carbonyl compounds.

  • In a case of Perkin reaction, enolate generated by anhydride is aromatic.
  • A Claisen condensation contains two ester compounds.
  • A Henry reaction contains an aliphatic nitro compound and an aldehyde.
  • Dieckmann condensation contains 2 ester groups present in the same molecule, which produces cyclic molecule.
  • In Japp–Maitland condensation, water is removed by nucleophilic displacement.
The document Aldol Condensation - JEE is a part of JEE category.
All you need of JEE at this link: JEE
Are you preparing for JEE Exam? Then you should check out the best video lectures, notes, free mock test series, crash course and much more provided by EduRev. You also get your detailed analysis and report cards along with 24x7 doubt solving for you to excel in JEE exam. So join EduRev now and revolutionise the way you learn!
Sign up for Free Download App for Free

FAQs on Aldol Condensation - JEE

1. What is Aldol condensation?
Ans. Aldol condensation is a reaction in organic chemistry where two molecules of aldehyde or ketone combine to form a larger molecule through the loss of a water molecule. The reaction involves the formation of an enolate ion, which attacks the carbonyl carbon of another aldehyde or ketone. This reaction is commonly used to synthesize larger molecules and is an important tool in organic synthesis.
2. How does the Aldol condensation reaction occur?
Ans. The Aldol condensation reaction occurs in two steps. In the first step, an enolate ion is formed by deprotonation of the alpha carbon of an aldehyde or ketone. This enolate ion then attacks the carbonyl carbon of another aldehyde or ketone in the second step, leading to the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond. The resulting molecule is a beta-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone. The reaction is facilitated by the presence of a base, such as hydroxide ion or an amine, which can deprotonate the alpha carbon.
3. What are the applications of Aldol condensation in organic synthesis?
Ans. Aldol condensation is a versatile reaction that finds numerous applications in organic synthesis. It is commonly used to form carbon-carbon bonds, leading to the synthesis of various compounds such as pharmaceuticals, natural products, and polymers. The reaction can be used to create complex molecules with multiple functional groups. Additionally, the aldol condensation reaction can be followed by further reactions like dehydration to form alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, which are important intermediates in various chemical transformations.
4. Are there any limitations or challenges associated with the Aldol condensation reaction?
Ans. Yes, there are certain limitations and challenges associated with the Aldol condensation reaction. One limitation is the possibility of forming multiple products due to the presence of multiple reactive sites in the starting materials. This can lead to a mixture of products, making the purification and isolation of the desired compound challenging. Additionally, the reaction can be sensitive to the presence of water, which can hydrolyze the reactive enolate ion. Care must be taken to ensure dry conditions during the reaction. Stereochemistry can also be a challenge, as the reaction can lead to the formation of both syn and anti products.
5. How can the selectivity and yield of the Aldol condensation reaction be improved?
Ans. The selectivity and yield of the Aldol condensation reaction can be improved by carefully choosing the reactants and reaction conditions. The choice of reactants can be guided by the electronic and steric effects to favor the desired product formation. For example, using a sterically hindered or electronically biased starting material can enhance the selectivity towards a specific product. Additionally, controlling the reaction temperature and solvent can also influence the selectivity and yield. By optimizing these factors, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the Aldol condensation reaction.
Download as PDF
Related Searches

Extra Questions

,

ppt

,

video lectures

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Important questions

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Aldol Condensation - JEE

,

Aldol Condensation - JEE

,

Summary

,

Viva Questions

,

Exam

,

Objective type Questions

,

study material

,

pdf

,

practice quizzes

,

Free

,

Aldol Condensation - JEE

,

MCQs

,

Sample Paper

,

mock tests for examination

,

past year papers

,

Semester Notes

;