Which species would react fastest with electrophiles? How are enolate ions prepared? How are enolate ions prepared? Are enolate ions formed when a weaker base is used? Water is about 10,000 more acidic than a C=O compound. Hydroxide is about 10,000 less basic than an enolate. Are enolate ions formed when a weaker base is used? Can these enolate ions be used in reactions? Water is about 10,000 more acidic than a C=O compound. Hydroxide is about 10,000 less basic than an enolate. Can these enolate ions be used in reactions? Give the reactant that would give the following aldol product. Can the aldol reaction be catalyzed by acid? Why are aldols unstable when warmed in the presence of H either acid or base?