Chemsheets Organic Synthesis Problems Answers

Mastering Organic Synthesis: Your Guide to Chemsheets Problems & Answers

If you are currently studying A-Level Chemistry (or an equivalent introductory university course), you have likely heard the two words that strike both fear and excitement into the hearts of students: Organic Synthesis.

Reaction Mapping: Build a mental or physical "map" of reactions. For example, knowing that an alkene can lead to an alcohol via hydration, which can then be oxidized to a carboxylic acid, allows you to bridge those gaps quickly. Common Synthetic Pathways Starting Material Intermediate Final Product Key Reagents Nitrobenzene Phenylamine 2-bromopropane Propan-2-ol HBrcap H cap B r 2-hydroxypropanenitrile Lactic Acid Chemsheets Organic Synthesis Problems Answers

Answer:

2. Common Reagents & Conditions Summary Table

| Conversion | Reagents & Conditions | |------------|------------------------| | Alkene → Alkane | H₂, Ni/Pt/Pd catalyst, 150°C | | Alkene → Dihaloalkane | Br₂ (or Cl₂), room temp, no UV | | Alkene → Halohydrin | Br₂ / H₂O (or Cl₂ / H₂O) | | Alkene → Diol | Cold dilute KMnO₄ or OsO₄ | | Haloalkane → Alcohol | NaOH(aq) or KOH(aq), heat under reflux | | Haloalkane → Nitrile | KCN in ethanol/water, heat under reflux | | Haloalkane → Amine | Excess NH₃ in ethanol, heat in sealed tube | | Haloalkane → Alkene | NaOH or KOH in ethanol, heat | | Alcohol → Aldehyde | K₂Cr₂O₇ / H₂SO₄, distil immediately | | Alcohol → Carboxylic acid | K₂Cr₂O₇ / H₂SO₄, heat under reflux | | Aldehyde → Carboxylic acid | K₂Cr₂O₇ / H₂SO₄, heat; or Tollens’ reagent | | Aldehyde → Primary alcohol | NaBH₄ (or LiAlH₄) in water/ethanol; or H₂ / Ni | | Ketone → Secondary alcohol | NaBH₄ or LiAlH₄ | | Carboxylic acid → Ester | Alcohol + conc. H₂SO₄, heat | | Ester → Carboxylic acid + alcohol | Dilute H₂SO₄ or dilute NaOH, heat (hydrolysis) | | Benzene → Nitrobenzene | Conc. HNO₃ + conc. H₂SO₄, 50°C | | Nitrobenzene → Phenylamine | Sn / conc. HCl, then NaOH(aq); or H₂ / Ni | | Phenol derivative from benzene | Via sulfonation / nitration / halogenation | HNO₃ + conc