This document provides an introduction to organic synthesis via enolates. It discusses active methylene groups and compounds that contain them, such as diethyl malonate and ethyl acetoacetate. These compounds can undergo keto-enol tautomerism when treated with base, losing a hydrogen to form a carbanion which resonates into a stabilized enolate ion. The document outlines several synthetic applications of ethyl acetoacetate and diethyl malonate, such as alkylation reactions and hydrolysis to form various carboxylic acids, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds. Key concepts covered include enols, enolate ions, acidity of the alpha hydrogen, and the mechanism of