Aldol is a type of organic compound that contains both an aldehyde and an alcohol functional group. It is typically formed through a reaction called the aldol condensation, where two molecules of aldehydes or ketones react in the presence of a base. This process results in the formation of a β-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone, which can further dehydrate to yield an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. Aldols are important in organic chemistry and are used in various synthetic pathways to create more complex molecules. They play a significant role in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and other chemical products. The versatility of aldols makes them valuable intermediates in chemical synthesis.