aldol condensate

An aldol condensate is a chemical compound formed through a process called aldol condensation, where two molecules containing carbonyl groups (like aldehydes or ketones) join together. During this reaction, a new carbon-carbon bond is created, resulting in a larger, often more complex molecule. This process is important in organic chemistry because it helps create complex structures, including those found in natural products and synthetic materials. The term "condensate" indicates that the reaction involves combining these molecules with the loss of a small molecule, usually water, leading to the formation of the larger compound.