Figure 7.6. Aldol Condensation, Step 1: Forming the Aldol
An enolate ion is formed, which then attacks the carbonyl carbon, forming an aldol.KEY CONCEPT
In aldol condensations, it’s the same nucleophilic addition reaction that we have seen before
with carbonyl compounds—just with the carbonyl-containing compound acting as both a
nucleophile and an electrophile.With a strong base and high temperatures, dehydration occurs by an E1 or E2 mechanism: we kick
off a water molecule and form a double bond, producing an α, β-unsaturated carbonyl, as shown in
Figure 7.7.