Enamine

/ˈɛn.ə.miːn/ noun

Definition

In chemistry, an organic compound containing a carbon-nitrogen double bond (C=N), often formed by the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with an amine.

Etymology

From ene- (carbon-carbon double bond) + amine (organic compound with nitrogen). Created in the mid-20th century as chemical nomenclature for newly studied organic compounds. The name directly describes the chemical structure.

Kelly Says

Enamines are crucial in modern drug synthesis—many pharmaceutical companies use enamine chemistry to create new medicines, and some of the fastest-growing chemotherapy drugs rely on enamine intermediates in their manufacture.

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