A student attempts an Aldol condensation with various carbonyl compounds. Which structural feature is absolutely necessary for the compound to react?
Q1. A student attempts an Aldol condensation with various carbonyl compounds. Which structural feature is absolutely necessary for the compound to react?
Answer: Presence of an alpha-hydrogen
Explanation: Aldol condensation requires at least one alpha-hydrogen to form the enolate ion. Benzaldehyde lacks this and undergoes Cannizzaro instead.