aldol

American  

[al-dawl, -dol] / ˈæl dɔl, -dɒl /

noun

Chemistry.

1. Also called acetaldol.  a colorless, syrupy, water-soluble liquid, C 4 H 8 O 2 , formed by the condensation of acetaldehyde: used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber vulcanizers and accelerators, and in perfumery.

2. any of a class of compounds containing both an alcohol and an aldehyde functional group, formed by a condensation reaction between aldehyde or ketone molecules.

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aldol British  

/ ˈældɒl /

noun

1. Systematic name: 3-hydroxybutanal.  a colourless or yellowish oily liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of rubber accelerators, as an organic solvent, in perfume, and as a hypnotic and sedative. Formula: CH 3 CHOHCH 2 CHO

2. any organic compound containing the functional group -CHOHCH 2 CHO

3. (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CHOHCH 2 CHO

   aldol group or radical

   aldol reaction

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Etymology

Origin of aldol

First recorded in 1870–75; ald(ehyde) + -ol ¹