β Diketone

Definition

A β-diketone is an organic compound containing two ketone groups separated by a carbon atom, which is the beta (β) position relative to each ketone group. These molecules are characterized by the presence of hydrogen atoms on the carbon between the two carbonyl (C=O) groups, making them acidic and prone to enolate ion formation.

Related terms

Enolate Ion:

An enolate ion is formed when an alpha hydrogen atom in a molecule with at least one carbonyl group is removed as a proton, leaving behind a negatively charged oxygen atom bonded to a doubly bonded carbon.

Carbonyl Group: A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O), found in aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters.

Alpha: Substitution Reactions - Chemical reactions that involve the substitution of an atom or group of atoms at the alpha position of a carbonyl compound with another atom or group