Question

Does acetaldehyde undergo aldol condensation?

Answer 1

1. Aldol condensation reaction- An aldol condensation reaction occurs in two steps. In the first step nucleophilic addition of an enolate ion on a carbonyl compound takes place to give $\mathrm{\beta }-$hydroxy carbonyl compound in the presence of a base. In the second step dehydration of the $\mathrm{\beta }-$hydroxy carbonyl compound takes place to give conjugated enone.
2. In simpler terms, aldol condensation is the addition of the carbonyl group of an aldehyde or ketone with the $\mathrm{\alpha }$-hydrogen atoms of another carbonyl compound present, in the presence of a base. The reaction is shown below-

3. Carbonyl compounds which have the presence of at least one $\mathrm{\alpha }$-hydrogen, undergo aldol condensation.

4. Since, acetaldehyde $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}\right)$ has the presence of an $\mathrm{\alpha }$-hydrogen, it can undergo aldol condensation as the presence of $\mathrm{\alpha }$-hydrogen a necessary condition for the reaction.

So, yes Acetaldehyde undergoes Aldol condensation reaction.