Question

Which of the following compounds will not undergo aldol condensation?

(a) Methanal

(b) 2-methyl pentanal

(c) Cyclohexanone

(d) 1-phenyl propanone

Answer 1

Answer is : (a) Methanal

Aldehydes or ketones having atleast one α −H atom undergo aldol condensation. The structures of given compounds are as follows:

Thus, among the given compounds, methanal has no α-H atom.

Hence, it will not give aldol condensation.