aldol

noun

al·​dol ˈal-ˌdȯl How to pronounce aldol (audio)
-ˌdōl
: a colorless beta-hydroxy aldehyde C4H8O2 used especially in organic synthesis
broadly : any of various similar aldehydes
aldolization noun

Examples of aldol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Most of these reactions have never before seen in nature, and moderate to good enantioselectivities in aldol and Mannich reactions were obtained with this earthworm catalyst. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2014 Heating a ginger rhizome causes gingerol to undergo a reverse aldol reaction, transforming it to zingerone, a molecule that is completely absent in fresh ginger. Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2014

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aldol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary aldehyde + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aldol was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near aldol

Cite this Entry

“Aldol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aldol. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

aldol

noun
: a colorless beta-hydroxy aldehyde C4H8O2
broadly : any of various similar aldehydes

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