benzoin condensation
英[ˈbenzəuin ˌkɔndenˈseɪʃən]美[ˈbɛnzoɪn ˌkɑndɛnˈseʃən]
The benzoin condensation is a reaction (often called a condensation reaction, for historical reasons) between two aromatic aldehydes, particularly benzaldehyde. The reaction is catalyzed by a nucleophile such as the cyanide anion or an N-heterocyclic carbene.