An enol is a type of organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly attached to a carbon atom that is also part of a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). This structure is important in various chemical reactions, particularly in the context of keto-enol tautomerism, where enols can interconvert with their corresponding keto forms, which have a carbonyl group (C=O). Enols are often found in the chemistry of carbohydrates, amino acids, and natural products. They play a significant role in biochemical processes and can influence the reactivity and stability of molecules. Understanding enols is essential for fields like organic chemistry and biochemistry.