AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which step in aldol condensation involves the formation of the final aldol product?

1. Nucleophilic attack

2. Protonation

3. Condensation

4. Electrophilic addition

The correct answer is: Condensation

In aldol condensation, the formation of the final aldol product occurs during the condensation step. This is where the nucleophile (the enolate ion formed from one of the aldehyde or ketone substrates) attacks the carbonyl carbon of another aldehyde or ketone molecule, resulting in a β-hydroxyaldehyde or β-hydroxyketone. Following this initial nucleophilic attack, the condensation process involves the elimination of a water molecule from the β-hydroxy compound, leading to the formation of a conjugated enone or enal. This step solidifies the transformation from the aldol product into a more stable final product, completing the aldol condensation reaction. The key detail to remember is that while the nucleophilic attack creates the β-hydroxy product, the condensation step is where the final transformation to the more stable product occurs through the loss of water—a critical part of completing the overall aldol condensation reaction. Thus, understanding that the condensation step is integral to forming the final product helps clarify the process's pathway.