In this post, we will discuss and show the mechanisms of some important reactions of lactones and lactams, such as their preparation, acid- and base-catalyzed hydrolysis, and reduction by LiAlH4. We will also go over the Grignard reaction of lactones. … Read more
In this post, we will practice E2 elimination reactions, focusing on the mechanism and how to determine the major and minor products based on the structure of the substrate and the nature of the base. Common bases we will consider … Read more
In an antiperiplanar arrangement, two atoms or groups are positioned on opposite sides of the same plane, typically around a carbon-carbon single bond. This is clearly seen in the Newman projection of butane, where the lowest-energy anti conformation places the … Read more
Angle Strain and Torsional Strain Cycloalkanes are less stable than their open-chain analogs. For example, butane is more stable than cyclobutane, and propane is far more stable than cyclopropane. It may visually be obvious why they are less stable without … Read more
Halonium ions are structures where a halogen atom is connected to two alkyl groups: In your organic chemistry class, you are only going to worry about a specific type of halonium ion where the halogen is part of … Read more
Let’s address two common exam questions: comparing the SN2 and E2 rates of two isomeric cyclohexanes and determining the major product in those reactions. The first thing you need to remember here is that both SN2 and E2 … Read more
Halohydrins are compounds containing a vicinal (adjacent) halogen and a hydroxyl groups. Halohydrins are prepared by the traction of alkenes with halogens in the presence of water: Recall that in neutral solvents such as CCl4 and DCM, the … Read more
We have learned that a Newman projection represents a molecule looking from a specified direction and a given bond. Therefore, a molecule can have multiple Newman projections depending on this bond and the direction we are looking from. For example, … Read more
By experimental methods, which we’ll discuss later, it has been shown that cycloalkanes are generally less stable than their corresponding alkanes. More accurately, the comparison was made between a cycloalkane and the equivalent number of CH2 groups. Recall that cycloalkanes … Read more
The carbonyl group in aldoses and ketoses can be reduced by NaBH4 to a 1o and 2o alcohol, respectively. The product of this reaction is a polyalcohol called an alditol. The reduction of the ketones creates a new … Read more
