(a) It is a characteristic reaction of aldehydes and ketones containing active α – H atoms. The carbon atom adjacent to carbonyl carbon is called α –C and the H-atom attached to α –C is known as α – H atoms.(b) When two molecules of Aldehyde or Ketones containing active α – H atom are warmed in presence of dilute base or dilute acid, they undergo self-condensation to given β Hydroxy aldehyde (aldol) or β Hydroxy ketone (ketol) respectively. This reaction is known as aldol condensation. The Aldol or Ketol undergoes dehydration on heating to form unsaturated aldehyde or ketone.Eg. Aldol condensation of AcetaldehydeStep I : AdditionStep II : Condensation
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