aldol

[ al-dawl, -dol ]

nounChemistry.
  1. Also called acetaldol. a colorless, syrupy, water-soluble liquid, C4H8O2, formed by the condensation of acetaldehyde: used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber vulcanizers and accelerators, and in perfumery.

  2. any of a class of compounds containing both an alcohol and an aldehyde functional group, formed by a condensation reaction between aldehyde or ketone molecules.

Origin of aldol

1
First recorded in 1870–75; ald(ehyde) + -ol1

Words Nearby aldol

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British Dictionary definitions for aldol

aldol

/ (ˈældɒl) /


noun
  1. a colourless or yellowish oily liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of rubber accelerators, as an organic solvent, in perfume, and as a hypnotic and sedative. Formula: CH 3 CHOHCH 2 CHO: Systematic name: 3-hydroxybutanal

  2. any organic compound containing the functional group -CHOHCH 2 CHO

  1. (modifier) consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CHOHCH 2 CHO: aldol group or radical; aldol reaction

Origin of aldol

1
C19: from ald (ehyde) + -ol 1

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