organic synthesis: content

Question 1

method for identifying possible methods of organic synthesis

Answer 1

• identify functional groups
• find possible routes to generate these
• calculate as required

Question 2

when will you need to perform distillation

Answer 2

when a reaction is done under reflux

Question 3

how come you can distil esters

Answer 3

esters are immiscible with water and (typically) have lower densities: layers will form in the reaction vessel

Question 4

which layer is usually less dense (separating funnel)

Answer 4

organic layer
(aqueous is denser)

Question 5

how to obtain [ester] from the mixture

Answer 5

transfer to a separating funnel. add aqueous sodium carbonate and stopper. shake and release pressure as needed.
- done to neutralise the acid catalyst
remove the lower aqueous layer and transfer the upper organic layer to a conical flask
- to remove the water by-product and neutralised catalyst
add anhydrous calcium chloride, shake well and leave for a few minutes
- to absorb any remaining water
filter to remove any drying agent then redistill and collect distillate at the temperature of the desired product
- to remove any organic impurities and unreacted reactants