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
improve the percentage yield of the final product
what could cause the yield of an individual step to be low
- 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 / H2SO4
what are primary alcohols oxidised to
aldehydes, then carboxylic acids
what are secondary alcohols oxidised to
ketones
what are the three main reducing agents used in organic chemistry, what do they reduce
NaBH4 (reduced C=O)
H2 / Ni (reduced C=C)
Sn / HCl (reduced NO2 to NH2)
what are the two 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
suggest the compound has polar groups
what does being insoluble in water indicate about a compound
suggest the compound has nonpolar groups
what does being insoluble in water indicate about a compound
suggest the compound has nonpolar groups
what does a smoky flame when burnt suggest
high C:H ratio
possible aromatic
