aldol

[ al-dawl, -dol ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. Also called acetaldol. a colorless, syrupy, water-soluble liquid, C 4 H 8 O 2 , formed by the condensation of acetaldehyde: used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber vulcanizers and accelerators, and in perfumery.
2. any of a class of compounds containing both an alcohol and an aldehyde functional group, formed by a condensation reaction between aldehyde or ketone molecules.

aldol

/ ˈældɒl /

noun

1. a colourless or yellowish oily liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of rubber accelerators, as an organic solvent, in perfume, and as a hypnotic and sedative. Formula: CH 3 CHOHCH 2 CHO Systematic name3-hydroxybutanal
2. any organic compound containing the functional group -CHOHCH 2 CHO
3. modifier consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CHOHCH 2 CHO

   aldol group or radical

   aldol reaction

Word History and Origins

Origin of aldol¹

First recorded in 1870–75; ald(ehyde) + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of aldol¹

C19: from ald ( ehyde ) + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

He tested whether proline could catalyze an aldol reaction, in which carbon atoms from two different molecules bond together.

From New York Times

The mechanism of the reaction is undoubtedly as follows: when the sulfuric acid and acetone are in contact for long periods of time, several molecules of the acetone condense to form aldol condensation products.

From Project Gutenberg