3.14 Organic synthesis Flashcards
What is organic synthesis
Using reaction mechanisms to create a target molecule from a starting molecule
Why do you try and keep the number of steps as low as possible
To improve the percentage yield of the final product
What could cause the yield of an individual step to be low
2 reasons
Product left in reaction mixture each time/inefficient separation
Incomplete/reversible reactions
What is the main oxidising agent used in organic chemistry
Acidified potassium dichromate VI K2Cr2O7 or H2SO4
What are primary alcohols oxidised to
Aldehydes, then carboxylic acids
What are secondary alcohols oxidised to
Ketones
What are the 3 main reducing agents used in organic chemistry; what do they reduce
NaBH4 reduces C=O (H- attacks C+)
H2 / Ni reduces C=C
Tin(Sn) / HCl reduces NO2 to NH2
What are the 2 main dehydrating agents used
Al2O3 (vapours passed over it)
Acid - catalysed elimination by H3PO4
What does a compound being solid indicate
Long C chain or ionic
What does a compound being liquid indicate
Medium C chain or polar bonding or hydrogen bonding
What does a compound being a gas indicate
Short carbon chain or non-polar bonds
What does being soluble in water indicate about a compound
Suggests the compound has polar groups
What does being insoluble in water indicate about a compound
Suggests the compound has nonpolar groups
What does a smoky flame when burnt suggest
High C:H ratio, possible aromatic
What does a non smoky flame suggest
Low C:H ratio, not aromatic
