Definition

A type of organic compound that has a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom, which is also connected by a double bond to another carbon atom.

Example

The chemist synthesized an enol to study its properties in the laboratory.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an enol?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a type of organic compound with a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon.

That sounds interesting! I should look it up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Enol is derived from the combination of "ene" (from the Greek word "ene", meaning containing a double bond) and "ol" (from the Greek word "ol", meaning alcohol). The term refers to a type of organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom that is part of a carbon-carbon double bond.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ene' as indicating a double bond in a molecule and 'ol' as referring to alcohol; together, they help you remember that an enol is a compound with a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon that has a double bond.

Visually Confused Words