The reaction of benzaldehyde to benzoin is an aldol condensation which uses thiamine hydrochloride as a catalyst. Enzymes are biological catalysts, and thiamine hydrochloride acts as a coenzyme in a biochemical aldol reaction.
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Aldol condensation: Aldol condensation is an organic reaction in which two aldehydes or ketones, in the presence of a catalyst, react to form a β-hydroxy aldehyde or ketone. This reaction involves the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond, and it is a key step in Show more…
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