enol

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enol

A student draws the structure of an enol on a whiteboard.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An organic compound containing a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom which is doubly bonded to another carbon atom: An enol is a specific type of molecule in organic chemistry characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) where one of the carbon atoms is also bonded to a hydroxyl (-OH) group. This structure makes it a reactive intermediate in many chemical reactions.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The keto-enol tautomerism is a fundamental concept in organic chemistry. (This describes the equilibrium between a ketone and its enol form.)
    • The molecule exists primarily as the enol due to stabilization by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. (This shows the enol form can be the dominant structure.)
    • Chemists studied the properties of the enol intermediate in the reaction mechanism. (This uses "enol" to describe a reactive species formed during a reaction.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Enolization": The chemical process of converting a carbonyl compound (like a ketone or aldehyde) into its corresponding enol form.
    • The rate of enolization is influenced by the solvent and the presence of catalysts.
  • "Enolate ion": The conjugate base of an enol, formed by the removal of a proton from the hydroxyl group. This is a key nucleophile in many reactions.
    • The enolate ion attacked the electrophile to form a new carbon-carbon bond.
Variants and Related Words
  • Enolic (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of an enol.
    • The compound exhibits enolic properties.
  • Keto-enol tautomerism (n): A chemical equilibrium between a keto form (a ketone or aldehyde) and an enol form of a compound.
    • Understanding keto-enol tautomerism is crucial for predicting reaction products.
Synonyms
  • Alkenol: A more systematic name that explicitly indicates the presence of both an alkene (C=C) and an alcohol (-OH) group. (Note: "enol" is the more common and concise term.)
Related Phrases and Concepts
  • Enol ether: A derivative of an enol where the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group is replaced by an alkyl group (e.g., -OCH₃).
    • Enol ethers are useful synthetic intermediates.
  • Enolization catalyst: A substance, often an acid or base, that accelerates the formation of an enol.
    • The reaction required a strong base as an enolization catalyst.
enol

A student draws the structure of an enol on a whiteboard.

Noun
  1. an organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom which in turn is doubly bonded to another carbon atom