Carbonyl condensation reactions take place between two carbonyl containing reactants, one of which must possess an alpha-hydrogen atom. The first step of the reaction involves the removal of an alpha-...Carbonyl condensation reactions take place between two carbonyl containing reactants, one of which must possess an alpha-hydrogen atom. The first step of the reaction involves the removal of an alpha-hydrogen atom by a base. In the second step, the enolate anion that results from this removal attacks the carbonyl-carbon of the second reacting molecule. In the final step , a proton is transferred to the tetrahedral intermediate formed in the second step, but may subsequently be dehydrated.
