Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Enediyne: A molecule containing an alkene (the 'ene') and two alkynes (the 'diyne'). In the most important enediyne molecules these moieties are conjugated, and present in an alkyne-alkene-alkyne sequence. An enediyne of this nature can undergo the Bergman cyclization, the mode of action present in some DNA cutter natural products such as calicheamicin.

(Z)-hexa-3-en-1,5-diyne, the simplest enediyne.

Calicheamicin, an enediyne DNA cutter natural product. The enediyne moiety is shown in red.