aldol

[ al-dawl, -dol ]

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.

aldol

/ ˈældɒl /

noun

1. 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 Systematic name3-hydroxybutanal
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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aldol¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aldol¹

C19: from ald ( ehyde ) + -ol ¹