Aldol condensation and related reactions

The aldol condensation and related reactions (Michael addition, Claisen and Dieckmann acylations, Mannich and Knoevenagel reactions) join a stabilized carbon nucleophile with a carbonyl electrophile or an unsaturated acceptor. They are the basis for building carbon skeletons.

This topic deals with how to control which compound acts as the nucleophile, how rings are formed and how the new stereocentres can be given the desired configuration, using chiral auxiliaries and catalysts.