Butenoic

Butenoic refers to a group of organic compounds that are unsaturated carboxylic acids. The general formula for butenoic acids is C4H6O2. The "but" prefix indicates a four-carbon chain, "en" signifies the presence of a carbon-carbon double bond, and "oic acid" denotes a carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH). The position of the double bond and its stereochemistry, if applicable, define the specific isomer.

The most common isomers are the butenoic acids, which have the double bond between the first and second carbon atoms of the four-carbon chain. Other isomers exist with the double bond at different positions, such as pentenoic acid (a five-carbon chain with a double bond) or hexenoic acid (a six-carbon chain with a double bond).

Butenoic acids are often encountered as intermediates in biochemical pathways and can be synthesized through various organic reactions. They are structurally related to butanoic acid, which is a saturated four-carbon carboxylic acid. The presence of the double bond introduces reactivity, allowing for addition reactions and polymerization, depending on the specific isomer and reaction conditions. Their properties, such as boiling point and solubility, vary among the different isomers.