Synthesis and Characterization of Aldol Condensation Products from Unknown Aldehydes and Ketones: An Inquiry-Based Experiment in the Undergraduate Laboratory

An experiment for the undergraduate chemistry laboratory in which students perform the aldol condensation on an unknown aldehyde and an unknown ketone is described. The experiment involves the use of techniques such as TLC, column chromatography, and recrystallization, and compounds are characterized by [to the first power]H NMR, GC-MS, and FTIR. This experiment provides the students with a thorough exercise in the practical aspects of organic chemistry. It requires students to think like researchers and allows them the opportunity to independently apply previously learned techniques in the laboratory. (Contains 1 figure, 2 schemes and 2 tables.)