Enolates with aldehydes and ketones

Aldol reaction of cyclopentanone

Below are shown the mechanistic steps involved in the Aldol reaction of a symmetrical cyclic ketone. The final enone is formed in a good yield both in acid or base conditions. Here the acid-catalysed reaction is used to illustrate the mechanism. 'Click' the different stages to view 3D models of the reaction:

• Step 1 - Acid catalysed enolization

• Step 2 - Acid catalysed aldol addition

• Step 3 - Acid catalysed dehydration