Organic Synthesis

Question 1

what factors may be considered when analysing a synthetic route

Answer 1

• type of reaction
• reagents
• atom economy
• by-products
• conditions

Question 2

what type of reaction is favoured when deciding which synthetic route to use

Answer 2

addition reactions are much more sustainable than substitution or elimination reactions as they have no waste products

Question 3

a synthetic route is chosen to produce an organic compound. In terms of reagents, why might this route be favoured?

Answer 3

• the reagents might be renewable

- the reagents may have few safety concerns

Question 4

how are by-products linked to the selection of a particular synthetic route

Answer 4

a synthetic route with less harmful by-products is preferred as there would be fewer safety and environmental concerns. The process is more sustainable if the by-products can be used in another industry

Question 5

what conditions are favoured for a synthetic route

Answer 5

conditions that are energy efficient and safe whilst also increasing the rate of reaction