I. Introduction to Enolates and Enols Because the hydrogens on the carbon in aldehydes and ketones are somewhat acidic they can be removed by using a strong base such as HO; The anion that is formed is called an enolate and forms largely because of the resonance contributor where oxygen bears the negative charge. Aldehyde Ketone pKa=17 pKa=20 enolate Under acidic conditions, the oxygen atom is protonated and a neutral species is formed called an enol. The equilibrium that exists between the enol or enolate and the carbonyl they form from is called a tautomerization and the enol/enolate and carbonyl are called tautomers. For each of the following ketones, identify all acidic protons. Next draw the enol that results when the proton is removed. Some structures may have multiple enols that are possible. For each of the following ketones, identify all acidic protons. Next draw the enol that results when the proton is removed. Some structures may have multiple enols that are possible