Which of the following compounds will not undergo aldol condensation?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Formaldehyde
Aldol condensation requires the presence of at least one α-hydrogen atom.
- Formaldehyde (HCHO) → No α-hydrogen → does not undergo aldol condensation
- Ethyl methyl ketone (butan-2-one) → Has α-hydrogens
- Acetaldehyde (ethanal) → Has α-hydrogens
- Propanal → Has α-hydrogens
Hence, Formaldehyde (HCHO) is the answer