Chapter 14: Ethers and Epoxides Flashcards
How do you synthesize a Grignard Reagent?
Using a metal (Mg) combined with an ether solvent
How do you form an ether from this compound?
Via SN2 reaction with an alkoxide ion
How do you form an ether from this compound?
Via addition reaction
How do you form an alkoxide ion?
Can use elemental Na
What can an alkoxide ion be used for?
Acts as a nucleophile to convert an alcohol into an ether via Williamson ether synthesis (SN2)
What type of substrate is important to use for ether synthesis?
Primary substrates bc they will favor SN2 reactions. Benzylic and allylic groups are the best to use.
Can use a secondary substrate, but will also form E2 products
How can this ether be formed?
via SN2
What is the mechanism for this reaction?
Reagents are H-Br
SN2 reaction that results in an alcohol and alkyl bromide
What is the mechanism for this reaction?
Reagents are H-I
SN2 reaction
Important: the nucleophile (in this case I-) will attack the less substituted carbon bc SN2 is faster than SN1 and the alcohol will form on the more substituted carbon
Can convert the OH into alkyl iodide if you use the same reagents again
Note: SN1 occurs first in this reaction because it is faster than SN2 with the phenol
This is a unique example and probably won’t be on the test
What is an epoxide?
AKA oxirane
3 membered cyclic ether
In an epoxide ring opening reaction, will a nucleophile attack the more or less substituted carbon?
Depends on the conditions
Basic - less substituted (SN2)
Acidic - more substituted (SN1 like rxn)
What is the mechanism for an epoxide ring opening reaction under basic conditions?
nucleophile attacks LESS substituted carbon
What is the mechanism for an epoxide ring opening reaction under acidic conditions?
nucleophile attacks MORE substituted carbon
Epoxide ring opening reactions under basic conditions
Epoxide ring opening reactions under acidic conditions
-OMe is the nucleophile
basic conditions - nucleophile will attack less substituted carbon
inversion of configuration on the side of the reaction where nucleophile attacks
OMe points down and OH forms on the more substituted carbon
-OMe is the nucleophile
acidic conditions - nucleophile attacks more substituted carbon
inversion of configuration (SN2)
OH forms on less substituted carbon
This will be SN1 so there will be no inversion of configuration
There will be a racemic mixture of stereocenters at the side of the reaction the nucleophile attacks
