The aldol reaction is a fundamental organic chemistry process where two carbonyl compounds, typically aldehydes or ketones, react in the presence of a base to form a β-hydroxy carbonyl compound. This reaction involves the formation of an enolate ion from one carbonyl compound, which then attacks the carbonyl carbon of another, leading to a new carbon-carbon bond. After the initial aldol addition, the β-hydroxy carbonyl can undergo dehydration to form an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound. This dehydration step often enhances the stability and reactivity of the product, making aldol reactions valuable in synthesizing complex organic molecules in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other chemical compounds.