Question

Which of the following carbonyl compound does NOT undergo aldol condensation?

• A. Benzophenone
• B. Acetophenone
• C. Acetaldehyde
• D. Acetone

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Benzophenone

Answer 2

For an aldol condensation to occur, the carbonyl compound must have at least one α-hydrogen.

• Benzophenone (Ph₂C=O): Lacks any α-hydrogens because the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two phenyl groups.
• Acetophenone (PhCOCH₃), Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO), and Acetone ((CH₃)₂CO): All have at least one α-hydrogen.

Thus, Benzophenone does not undergo aldol condensation.