Pronunciation: [ɪnˈɒlɪk] (IPA) 
The word "enolic" is spelled phonetically as [iːˈnəʊlɪk]. The first syllable "ee" or "i" is pronounced as a long "e" sound. The second syllable "no" is pronounced with a "n" sound followed by a long "o" sound. The ending "lic" is pronounced as "lik". Enolic is often used in chemistry to refer to a particular type of organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom with a double bond.
Enolic is an adjective used to describe a compound or functional group with characteristics reminiscent of enol, which is a specific type of organic compound formed by the tautomeric reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with a hydroxyl group. The enolic functional group consists of a double bond between a carbon and an oxygen atom, with a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom. This configuration gives rise to the distinctive chemical and physical properties associated with enols, such as increased reactivity and acidity compared to their keto tautomers.
Enolic compounds are often found in aromatic compounds, alcohols, and carbonyl compounds, though they can exist in equilibrium with their keto tautomers. Due to the presence of the hydroxyl group in an enolic compound, these compounds are capable of hydrogen bonding, which can influence their behavior and reactivity. Additionally, enolic compounds can participate in various reactions, including aldol condensation, keto-enol tautomerism, and Michael additions, which are commonly utilized in organic chemistry synthesis.
Enolic compounds have significant importance in biological systems as well, as they are involved in various enzymatic reactions and metabolic pathways. Additionally, enols play a crucial role in the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals and natural products.
The word "enolic" is derived from "enol", which in turn derives from the combination of "ethylene" and "alcohol". The term "ethylene" refers to a chemical compound that consists of two carbon atoms connected by a double bond (C=C). It is a fundamental component of many organic compounds and is also known as ethene. "Alcohol" refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of an -OH group attached to a carbon atom. They often exhibit certain chemical properties, including the ability to donate a proton or hydrogen atom (H+).Combining "ethylene" and "alcohol" results in the formation of "enol". An enol is a compound that contains a hydroxyl (-OH) group connected to a carbon-carbon double bond (-C=C-). These compounds are typically tautomeric, meaning they can rapidly interconvert between their keto and enol forms.
