Enones are a type of organic compound characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) adjacent to a double bond (C=C). This structure gives enones unique chemical properties, making them important in various chemical reactions, such as aldol reactions and Michael additions. They are often found in natural products and can serve as intermediates in the synthesis of more complex molecules. These compounds can be classified based on the position of the carbonyl group and the double bond. Enones are commonly used in the field of organic chemistry for the development of pharmaceuticals and other valuable chemicals. Their reactivity allows chemists to create diverse compounds through various synthetic pathways.