Aldol condensation (β-hydroxy carbonyl pathway) (Enolate attacks another carbonyl; dehydration often gives conjugated enone)

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Enolate attacks another carbonyl; dehydration often gives conjugated enone

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
baseOH⁻ or enolate-forming conditions
RCH₂CHOAldehyde/ketone with α-H

When to use this

α-H present; base generates enolate; nucleophilic addition to C=O; heat often drives dehydration to α,β-unsaturated product.