Given below are two statements:
**Statement I:** Aldehydes and ketones having at least one $\alpha$-hydrogen u

Question

Given below are two statements:
**Statement I:** Aldehydes and ketones having at least one $\alpha$-hydrogen undergo aldol condensation in the presence of dilute alkali as catalyst.
**Statement II:** When aldol condensation is carried out between two different aldehydes, it is called cross aldol condensation. Ketones do not give this reaction.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Accepted Answer

**Statement I is correct:** Aldehydes and ketones containing at least one $\alpha$-hydrogen atom undergo a reaction in the presence of dilute alkali as a catalyst to form $\beta$-hydroxy aldehydes (aldol) or $\beta$-hydroxy ketones (ketol), respectively. This reaction is known as the aldol condensation.

**Statement II is incorrect:** When an aldol condensation is carried out between two different aldehydes and/or ketones, it is called a cross aldol condensation. It is not restricted to only aldehydes; ketones can also actively participate in cross aldol condensation reactions (for example, the reaction between benzaldehyde and acetophenone yields 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one).

Step-by-Step Solution

Practice All CHEMISTRY Questions