The structural feature in carbonyl compound for Aldol condensation
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → presence of at least one $α$-hydrogen
- Aldol condensation occurs in aldehydes or ketones that have at least one α-hydrogen (hydrogen on the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group).
- The α-hydrogen is required for enolate ion formation, which is the key step in the aldol reaction.
Why others are incorrect:
- β-hydrogen → not relevant
- Concentrated base → a condition, not a structural feature
- Lack of α-hydrogen → such compounds do not undergo aldol condensation
Hence, the correct option is presence of at least one α-hydrogen.