Retro-Aldol Reaction Definition:

The reverse of an aldol reaction. A b-hydroxyketone or aldehyde is converted into two ketones or aldehydes.

Retro-Aldol Reaction Explained:

If an aldol, the product of aldol reaction, or α, β-unsaturated aldehyde or α, β-unsaturated ketone, being the product of aldol condensation, is treated with an acid or base catalyst in a liquid medium, the reverse reaction occurs, which is known as retro-aldol reaction.