Condensation - Definition, Examples, Process, FAQs

Condensation

1. Condensation is the process of converting a gas into a liquid.
2. The reaction in which two molecules combine and lose water is called condensation.
3. Condensation is defined as removing heat from the system and turning steam into liquid.

Examples of Condensation

The Condensation examples are

1. Clouds in the sky
2. Visible breath in cold conditions.
3. Fog in the air

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Condensation Reaction

The condensation reaction combines two molecules into one molecule, usually with the loss of a small molecule, such as water.

Basic Process of Condensation

Water condensation occurs when water transforms its phase from gaseous to liquid or crystalline form. Every gas can condense at high pressure and low temperature. The condensation process can technically take place at any temperature, as long as the gas's liquid State is below the condensing gas pressure. In the process of condensation, the molecules in matter slow down because heat energy is removed, which changes the matter into a solid state, that is, it causes changes in the three states of matter.

A condensation reaction is a chemical reaction that combines two molecules to form a larger one with a water molecule. Alcoholics and many other molecular reactions to condensation often occur in living organisms.

• The hydrogen and hydroxide taken from a condensation reaction originate from different molecules, while the H and OH removed come from the same molecule in the dehydration reaction.
• The H is removed from an electronegative atom in the condensing reaction, whereas the H is removed from a C atom in the dehydration reaction.

Condensation in the Water Cycle

• For the water cycle, condensation is important because it is responsible for cloud formation.
• Water vapor in the air causes the formation of clouds that eventually fall in the form of rain.
• The movement of water molecules is responsible for this phase of water change among solid, liquid, and gas.
• In vapor form, water molecules in relation to the fluid are arranged randomly.
• As condensation occurs, water molecules develop more organization, leading to the transfer of heat from the vapor state to the liquid state in the atmosphere.
• This usually occurs with warm air up and cool air falling in the atmosphere.

The atmosphere must be completely saturated to cause condensation (to reach maximum vapor pressure). Usually, the dust particles or smoke, or microscopic bacteria are condensed. The water cycle plays a very important role and thus helps to maintain the environmental water balance. Scientists and engineers also use it for the separation of mixtures and the production of pure materials in various industrial processes.

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Some Solved Examples

Question 1: Which of the following compounds will NOT undergo aldol condensation?

A. Acetaldehyde
B. Acetone
C. Benzaldehyde
D. Propanal

Solution:

Aldol condensation requires the presence of α-hydrogen.

• Acetaldehyde, acetone, and propanal contain α-hydrogens.
• Benzaldehyde lacks an α-hydrogen, and therefore, it does not undergo aldol condensation.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Question 2: The major product formed when acetaldehyde undergoes aldol condensation, followed by heating, is:

A. Ethanol
B. 3-Hydroxybutanal
C. Crotonaldehyde
D. Butanal

Solution:

• First step: Aldol addition gives 3-hydroxybutanal
• On heating: dehydration occurs, forming an $\alpha, \beta$-unsaturated aldehyde
• Final product $=$ Crotonaldehyde $\left(\mathrm{CH}_3-\mathrm{CH}=\mathrm{CH}-\mathrm{CHO}\right)$

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Question 3: Which base is commonly used to carry out aldol condensation?

A. $\mathrm{NaBH}_4$
B. Dilute NaOH
C. Concentrated $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4$
D. $\mathrm{KMnO}_4$

Solution:

Aldol condensation is generally carried out in dilute alkali $(\mathrm{NaOH}$ or KOH$)$ which abstracts $\alpha$-hydrogen to form the enolate ion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Question 4: The number of aldol products possible when acetone reacts with acetaldehyde is:

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Solution:

Possible condensations:

1. Self-aldol of acetone
2. Self-aldol of acetaldehyde
3. Cross-aldol between acetone and acetaldehyde

Hence, 3 products are possible.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).