organic synthesis

• Why do we need organic synthesis?


  To convert starting materials into a target compound.
• What is achieved through multistep pathways in organic synthesis?


  They lead to oxidation of functional groups, chain lengthening, and saturation of double bonds.
• What factors must a chemist consider when designing a synthetic pathway?


  • Product yield
  • Reaction conditions
  • Need for a catalyst
  • Choice of reagents
  • Process type (batch or continuous)
  • Hazards with reagents or conditions
  • Cost
  • Formation of isomers
  • Reactivity of functional groups
• How is product yield related to Le Chatelier’s principle?


  It indicates how changes in conditions can affect the position of equilibrium in a reaction.
• What is the importance of maximizing yield in organic synthesis?


  To maximize profits for chemists.
• What are two reasons why the yield of an individual step may be low?


  Product is left in the reaction mixture or the reaction is incomplete or irreversible.
• Why is it important to know the structures of all functional groups in organic synthesis?


  To best understand organic synthesis processes.
• What is an oxidizing agent mentioned in the study material?


  Acidified potassium dichromate.
• What does acidified potassium dichromate oxidize primary alcohols to?


  Aldehydes and then to carboxylic acids.
• How can you prevent an aldehyde from being oxidized to a carboxylic acid?


  By using an excess of alcohol and distilling the aldehyde off once formed.
• What does sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) do in organic synthesis?


  It reduces a carbonyl group (C=O) to an alcohol group (C-OH).
• What is the role of a dehydrating agent?


  To remove water (H₂O) from a molecule.
• What are the key reactions in aromatic synthesis?

  1. Acylation of benzene to a phenylketone
  2. Nitration of benzene to nitrobenzene
  3. Reduction of nitrobenzene to an aromatic amine
  4. Conversion of an aromatic amine to an aromatic amide using an acyl halide
• What skills are required to answer exam questions on organic synthesis?


  • Suggest reagents and reaction conditions
  • Identify reaction intermediate structures
  • Draw mechanisms
  • Suggest products
• How many steps can synthesis pathways have in organic synthesis?


  Up to 4 steps.
• What is the purpose of organic synthesis maps?


  To provide an overview of conditions and reagents required for conversion between functional groups.
• Why is it important to know the type of mechanism a reaction proceeds by?


  It helps in understanding how the reaction occurs and predicting the outcome.