Intramolecular, intermolecular

Definition

Intramolecular reactions involve the chemical changes that occur within a single molecule, resulting in a rearrangement of its atoms to form a new product. In the context of organic chemistry and specifically carbonyl condensation reactions, these are reactions where two functional groups within the same molecule react with each other.

Related terms

Aldol Reaction: A reaction where an enolate ion reacts with another carbonyl compound to form a β-hydroxyaldehyde or β-hydroxyketone.

Enolate Ion: An ion formed by the deprotonation of an alpha hydrogen atom in aldehydes or ketones, crucial for many intramolecular reactions.

Carbonyl Group: A functional group composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, key in forming reactive intermediates in carbonyl condensation reactions.