Enolate

/ˈɛnəleɪt/ noun

Definition

In chemistry, an organic compound formed when an enol molecule loses a proton, creating a negative charge on the carbon atom.

Etymology

From 'enol' + '-ate' (chemical suffix for anions), coined in the 20th century as organic chemistry developed systematic naming conventions.

Kelly Says

Enolates are like the martial artists of molecules—they're incredibly reactive and are used by organic chemists to build new carbon-carbon bonds, making them essential in synthesizing medicines and complex molecules.

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