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 be low? (2)
- inefficient separation
- incomplete/reversible reactions
What is the main oxidising agent used in organic chemistry?
- Acidified potassium dichromate (VI)
- K₂Cr₂O₇
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 and what do they reduce?
- NaBH₄ - reduces C=O
- H₂ and Ni - reduces C=C
- Sn (tin) and HCl - reduces NO₂ to NH₂
What are the two main dehydrating agents used?
- Al₂O₃ (vapors 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?
- suggest the compound has non polar groups
What does a smoky flame when burnt suggest?
- High C:H ratio, possibly aromatic
What does a non-smoky flame when burnt suggest?
- Low C:H ratio, not aromatic
