Acetaldol

/ˌæsɪˈtælˌdɔl/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound formed by the aldol condensation reaction of acetaldehyde with itself, used in organic synthesis.

Etymology

Acetaldehyde + aldol (from aldehyde alcohol). The compound name reflects its formation mechanism—two acetaldehyde molecules combining in a chemical reaction.

Kelly Says

Acetaldol is a perfect example of how chemistry textbooks work—it's a compound almost nobody uses in the real world, but it teaches chemists about elegant condensation reactions.

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