An 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 aldol condensation, where two carbonyl compounds, usually aldehydes or ketones, react in the presence of a base. This reaction 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. They can serve as intermediates in the synthesis of more complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals and natural products. The versatility of aldols makes them valuable in the field of synthesis and medicinal chemistry.