Question

The necessary condition under which an aldehyde can undergo the aldol condensation reaction is:

• A. the presence of at least one $\beta$ hydrogen
• B. the presence of at least one $\alpha$ hydrogen
• C. an aromatic ring
• D. absence of $\alpha$ hydrogen

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

the presence of at least one $\alpha$ hydrogen

Aldol condensation is an organic reaction in which an enolate ion reacts with carboxyl compound in order to form a β– hydroxyaldehyde or β– hydroxyketone.The aldehyde or ketone that is going to be reacted should have an alpha hydrogen.

Hence option B is correct.