Aldol condensation is a chemical reaction that occurs between aldehydes or ketones, where two molecules combine to form a larger β-hydroxy carbonyl compound. This process involves the formation of an enolate ion from one carbonyl compound, which then attacks the carbonyl carbon of another molecule, leading to the creation of a new carbon-carbon bond. After the initial aldol addition, the β-hydroxy carbonyl compound can undergo dehydration, resulting in the formation of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. This reaction is significant in organic chemistry and is often used in the synthesis of complex molecules, including those found in natural products and pharmaceuticals.