enol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “enol” mean?
An organic compound containing a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom which is doubly bonded to another carbon atom (a vinyl alcohol).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic compound containing a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom which is doubly bonded to another carbon atom (a vinyl alcohol).
In organic chemistry, a reactive intermediate or tautomeric form of a carbonyl compound (like a ketone or aldehyde), where the hydrogen has migrated from the carbonyl carbon to the oxygen, creating a C=C double bond and an -OH group. It exists in equilibrium with its keto form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific term with no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, used only in specialised chemistry contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “enol” in a Sentence
The ketone undergoes tautomerisation to form [its enol].The stability of [the enol] depends on the solvent.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enol” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The enol tautomer is less stable in this case.
- We studied the enol content spectroscopically.
American English
- The enol form is highly reactive.
- Enol stability is influenced by conjugation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced chemistry textbooks and research papers discussing reaction mechanisms, tautomerism, and synthesis.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in organic chemistry for describing intermediates in aldol condensations, halogenation, and other reactions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enol”
- Mispronouncing as /ɪˈnɒl/ or /ɛnɒl/.
- Using it as a general term for any alcohol.
- Confusing 'enol' with 'phenol' (which is aromatic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used only in the field of organic chemistry.
No, it is exclusively a noun (and can function adjectivally, as in 'enol form').
An enol is a specific type of alcohol where the -OH group is attached to a carbon that is part of a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). A typical alcohol, like ethanol, has the -OH on a saturated carbon.
Despite often being less stable, the enol form is a key reactive intermediate in many important organic reactions, such as aldol condensations and halogenations, because it is more nucleophilic than the carbonyl form.
An organic compound containing a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom which is doubly bonded to another carbon atom (a vinyl alcohol).
Enol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Enol: in British English it is pronounced /ˈiːnɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈiːnɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: **EN**ol = **EN**ol has an **EN**ol group (**-OH** on a double bond). Or: **E** for 'ene' (double bond) + **nol** for alcohol (like in methanol).
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical shape-shifter: the enol is the less common, reactive 'twin' of the more stable keto form.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'enol'?