Problem Sets
Problem Sets
Problem Set 1
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted.
How NOT to do Organic problem sets: DO NOT read the problem while looking at
the answer key. You should use each problem set as a way to test yourself and how much you
understand about the course so far. Write out as many problems as possible – this is the best way
to learn and remember the material.
c) CH2 CH 2 d) Cl2
e) NO2 f) HCN
g) CO2 h) CO
1.2 ) Assign formal charges to the indicated atoms in the following structures:
O H
a) b) H H
N
O
H
O
c) H H d)
O
N
H
H O
O
e) f)
C
g)
1.3 ) Write as many major resonance structures as possible for the following:
O
a) b)
c) d) N
e)
1.4 ) Write out the atomic orbitals and populate them with the indicated number of electrons:
c)
c) d)
e)
1.8 ) Amino acids are important biomolecules as constituents of proteins. The acid shown below
is tyrosine.
tyrosine
OH
NH 2
HO
O
a) Identify each of the ionizable groups on the molecule.
b) Which of these has the lowest pKa?
c) Write an ionized form for each of these groups.
d) What would you predict to be the charge state for this compound in water at pH = 7?
1.9 ) As we saw in class (Notes pg. 19-20), the charge state of organic molecules can influence
their function. Consider the following conditions, and predict which of these is more likely to
penetrate a cell membrane (The membrane is a hydrophobic environment – much like an organic
solvent).
a) A basic compound is injected in an acidic solution.
b) An acidic compound is injected in an acidic solution.
1.10) Many of the reactions we will look at involve nucleophilic attack. Consider the following
reactions and write reaction mechanisms using curved arrows for each. Are there any similarities
between these?
a) OH O -Na+
+ NaH + H2
b)
OH O -Na +
+ Na + -OCH 3 + HOCH 3
H H
+H O O
b) O + H2 O +
H OH OH
Cl
c) Cl- +
Cl O
d) +
Na- O Na+Cl- +
Chapter 1
1-1–1-19 (in chapter problems); 1-20–1-23, 1-26–1-28, 1-31, 1-33, 1-34–1-40, 1-45, 1-48, 1-53
Answer Key #1
1.1 ) Write Lewis structures for the following:
1.2 ) Assign formal charges to the indicated atoms in the following structures:
-1
O H
a) b) H H
N
O
H +1
O
c) H H d)
O
N
H +1 0
-1
H O
O
e) f)
+1
+1
C
g)
1.3 ) Write as many major resonance structures as possible for the following:
1.4 ) Write out the atomic orbitals and populate them with the indicated number of electrons:
a) Carbon with 6 e- b) N with 8 e-
O O
c)
CHC(CH 2) 2CH(CH 3 )2
8 7
c) d)
6 5
e)
4
1.8) Amino acids are important biomolecules as constituents of proteins. The acid shown below
is tyrosine.
tyrosine
OH
NH 2
HO
OH
NH2
HO
pKa ~4.5
O-
NH 3 +
-
O
d) What would you predict to be the charge state for this compound in water at pH = 7?
OH
NH 3 +
-O
O
At pH 7, only the acid and amine would be ionized, giving the molecule a net neutral charge.
1.9 ) As we saw in class (Notes pg. 18-19), the charge state of organic molecules can influence
their function. Consider the following conditions, and predict which of these is more likely to
penetrate a cell membrane.
a) A basic compound is injected in an acidic solution.
A basic compound (A) will be protonated (HA+) in an acidic solution. Therefore, it will not
cross a membrane well and will not enter the cell.
An acidic compound (HA) in acidic solution will be neutral, and should cross the membrane.
Once in a neutral environment it will become charged as A-.
1.10 ) Many of the reactions we will look at involve nucleophilic attack. Consider the following
reactions and write reaction mechanisms using curved arrows for each. Are there any similarities
between these?
a) OH O -Na+
+ NaH + H2
b)
OH O -Na +
+ Na + -OCH 3 + HOCH 3
O O
a) OH - + H2O +
OH O-
H H O H
O+ O
b) + H2 O +
H OH OH
Cl
c) Cl- +
Cl O
d) +
Na- O Na+Cl- +
Problem Set #2
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
2.1 ) Rank the following molecules with increasing permanent dipole moment. Hint: First figure
out the molecular geometry!
a) HF b) CH4
c) NH3 d) CO2
e)
Cl Cl
2.2 ) Many biomolecules have polar functional groups. Sketch the approximate dipole of each of
the following structures.
O
a) b) O
H H H
N
H
c) d) HO H
OH N
O H
2.3 ) You may not realize that you are already familiar with the properties of organic molecules
that you encounter in everyday life. What can you say about the relative boiling points or
melting points of the following materials? Answer the questions below and rank these
materials in increasing melting/boiling points. Does your experience with some of these
materials fit with the trends we’ve discussed?
2.4 ) Line drawn structures are useful, but are only a static model of dynamic molecular
structures. Rationalize the following data and describe the inadequacies of the line model
drawn.
H 3C NH2
2.5 ) Hybrid atomic orbitals can be used to approximate molecular orbitals. Describe the hybrid
atomic orbitals of the following structures:
H H
a) b) H H
H H
2.6 ) Identify the hybridization of all the heavy atoms (non-hydrogen) in the following
strucuture:
Chapter 2
2-1–2-22 (in chapter problems); 2-23–2-38, 2-40, 2-42, 2-44
Answer Key #2
2.1 ) Rank the following molecules with increasing permanent dipole moment. Hint: First figure
out the molecular geometry! [Note: You cannot determine these dipole moments
quantitatively yet, the experimental values are included to validate our approximations.]
a) HF b) CH4
1.91 D 0D
c) NH3 d) CO2
1.47 D 0D
e)
Cl Cl
CH 4 ~ CO2 < NH3 < Cl Cl ~ HF
1.90 D
2.2 ) Many biomolecules have polar functional groups. Sketch the approximate dipole of each of
the following structures (These aren’t exact!)
O
a) b) O
H H H
N
H
c) d) HO H
OH N
O H
2.3 ) You may not realize that you are already familiar with the properties of organic molecules
used in everyday life. What can you say about the relative boiling points or melting points of
the following materials? Answer the questions below and rank these materials in increasing
melting/boiling points.
Butane fluid is only a fluid when under pressure – that’s why it escapes your lighter as a gas.
Note that gasoline is made from shorter chain alkanes and makes a better fuel in cold climates
(like Edmonton!) when compared to kerosene, which would freeze at -10 °C. Additional degrees
of unsaturation make a big difference to the properties of cooking oil and butter.
2.4 ) Line drawn structures are useful, but are only a static model of dynamic molecular
structures. Rationalize the following data and describe the inadequacies of the line model
drawn.
H 3C NH2
O O
H 3C NH 2 H 3C NH 2
2.5 ) Hybrid atomic orbitals can be used to approximate molecular orbitals. Describe the hybrid
atomic orbitals of the following structures:
H H
a) b) H H
H H
H H
H H
H H
2.6 ) Identify the hybridization of all the heavy atoms (non-hydrogen) in the following
strucuture:
O
sp2
O sp
sp3 sp2 sp
sp3
Problem Set #3
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
3.1) Generate the empirical formula, degree of unsaturation, and predict the major IR
absorbances for the following structures:
3.2) You are given a pure sample of an organic compound with a formula of C4H8O2. You obtain
an IR spectrum shown below and note the following major IR absorbances above 1500 cm-1:
3100 (br), 2971, 2940, 2880 and 1712 (s) cm-1. Which of the following structures would be
consistent with your data?
a) b) c) d)
HO O
O
OH OH
HO
O
3.3) For the following structures, predict important IR bands you would expect to observe:
a) b) c) d)
N
Br
Chapter 3
3-1–3-6 (in chapter problems); 3-12–3-19
Answer Key #3
3.1) Generate the empirical formula, degree of unsaturation, and predict the major IR
absorbances for the following structures:
3.2) You are given a pure sample of an organic compound with a formula of C4H8O2. You obtain
an IR spectrum shown below and note the following major IR absorbances above 1500 cm-1:
3100 (br), 2971, 2940, 2880 and 1712 (s) cm-1. Which of the following structures would be
consistent with your data?
Only D is consistent with the formula and IR. A would not show the stretch at 1745, B would be
missing the broad peak for the acid (3100), and C is the wrong formula (but would also lack the
carbonyl stretch). D is the correct answer.
3.3) For the following structures, predict important IR bands you would expect to observe:
a) b) c) d)
N
Br
a) This is an alkyl halide, there are no strong absorbances expected other than the C-H stretches
around 2800-3000 cm-1.
b) Here, we should see the C-H alkane stretches around 2800-3000 cm-1 , aromatic C-H stretches
around 3000-3100 cm-1 , and some alkene stretches around 1600 cm-1.
c) Alkane C-H at 2800-3000 cm-1, an alkene C-H at 3100 cm-1 (s), and a C=C stretch at 1620 cm-
1
.
d) The alkyl chain will only give absorbances at 2800-3000 cm-1, but the nitrile group should
give a sharp absorbance at ~2200 cm-1.
Problem Set #4
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
4.1. ) For the three hexane isomers shown below, predict their relative boiling points.
A B C
A B C
A B C D
4.4. ) Draw the potential energy diagrams of following compounds when there is a rotation of
360o about the C2-C3 bond. Place potential energy on the Y axis and rotation angle on the X
axis. Indicate all the maxima and minima with the appropriate conformations (you don’t
have to worry about precise values of the energy changes, just relative differences.).
(a) 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane
(b) 2,3-dimethylbutane
4.5. ) Draw the structure of trans-1,3-dibromocyclobutane. This compound has a non-zero dipole
moment. Use conformational analysis to rationalize this observation. Is cyclobutane planar?
4.6. ) The flat structure shown below illustrates the connectivity of glucose. Glucose actually
exists in the chair conformation with all substituents in the most stable orientation possible.
OH
O OH
HO OH
OH
(a) Draw a chair conformation of glucose with all substitutents in the correct
orientation around the ring
(b) Based on your drawing in (a), draw a Haworth projection which clearly shows the
cis-trans relationship of all of the substitutents.
Cl
F
OCH 3 OCH 3 Br OH
NH 2 H 3C
H 2N
CH3
A B C D E F
4.8. ) Think about cis- and trans- isomers of 1,3-di-tert-butylcyclohexane. One of these isomers
exists as a twist-boat conformation rather than a usual chair conformation. What special
feature does account for this observation?
Chapter 4
4-1–4-31 (in chapter problems); 4-32–4-46
Answer key #4
4.1. ) For the three hexane isomers shown below, predict their relative boiling points.
A B C
These are all isomers of C6H14. The only difference between them is the number of branch
points. Branching should decrease surface area and VDW interactions, so the predicted
ranking would be: A<C<B
A B C
These are all isomers of C5H10. The only difference in their heat of combustion should be due
to differences in ring strain. We would expect smaller rings to be higher in energy (and thus
less stable). So the order of increasing heat would be: A, C, B
A B C D
5 1 11
3 1
1
3 3
6 10 9
1 4
6
a. 5,6-dibutyl-decane.
b. trans-1-ethyl-3-propyl-cycloheptane
c. 1-cyclohexyl-3,3,9,9-tetracyclopropyl-undecane (a gecko?)
d. 3-cycopentyl-3,4-diethyl-hexane (or stick-man for short)
4.4. ) Draw the potential energy diagrams of following compounds when there is a rotation of
360o about the C2-C3 bond. Place potential energy on the Y axis and rotation angle on the X
axis. Indicate all the maxima and minima with the appropriate conformations (you don’t
have to worry about actual values of the energy changes).
(a) 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane
CH 3
CH 3CH 3
H 3C CH 3
H 3C
CH 3 CH
CH 3 CH 3 CH3 3
CH3
A B
Conformational Energy
B
B B
25.0
22.0
19.0
A A A
16.0
-180 -135 -90 -45 0 45 90 135 180
C(1)-C(2)-C(3)-C(4)(degrees)
(b) 2,3-dimethylbutane
H CH 3 CH 3CH 3
CH 3CH 3
H 3C CH 3 H3C CH 3
H3C H3C
CH 3 H CH 3
H H H
CH 3 CH 3 CH 3 H
H H
A B C D
Conformational Energy
C
13.0
11.0
D
D
B B
8.0
A A
6.0
-180 -135 -90 -45 0 45 90 135 180
C(1)-C(2)-C(3)-C(10)(degrees)
4.5. ) Draw the structure of trans-1,3-dibromocyclobutane. This compound has a non-zero dipole
moment. Use conformational analysis to rationalize this observation. Is cyclobutane planar?
Br Br
vs.
Br
Br
The dipoles in a flat cyclobutane would cancel out, but any bent conformation would result in
a small net dipole moment.
4.6. ) The flat structure shown below illustrates the connectivity of glucose. Glucose actually
exists in the chair conformation with all substituents in the most stable orientation possible.
OH
O OH
HO OH
OH
(a) Draw a chair conformation of glucose with all substitutents in the correct
orientation around the ring
HO
HO O OH
OH
HO
If we leave out the H atoms, this is the chair form.
(b) Based on your drawing in (a), draw a Haworth projection which clearly shows the
cis-trans relationship of all of the substitutents.
OH
O OH
HO OH
OH
Again, we leave out the H atoms for clarity, and you see that all the hydroxyl groups are
trans to their neighboring groups.
A B C D E F
trans, no trans, yes trans, yes trans, yes cis, no trans, yes
Cl
F OH
CH 3
4.8. ) Think about cis- and trans- isomers of 1,3-di-tert-butylcyclohexane. One of these isomers
exists as a twist-boat conformation rather than a usual chair conformation. What special
feature does account for this observation?
cis trans
stable
H
H
stable
In the cis isomer, the conformation with both t-butyl groups equatorial is clearly the most stable.
In the trans isomer, neither chair form can alleviate the axial interactions between one of the t-
butyl groups and the other axial H’s. Therefore, the twist boat conformation allows relief from
some of the H-t-butyl axial interactions at the expense of H-H axial interactions.
Problem Set #5
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
5.1) Rank the relative stability of the carbocation structures shown below (from most stable to
least stable).
5.2) Draw a hypothetical reaction coordinate diagram for an exothermic reaction that has only
one transition state and no intermediates. Label the starting material, products, transition state,
and G‡.
5.3) Modify your drawing in 5.2 to illustrate what would happen if the transition state were
stabilized. Would this increase or decrease the rate of reaction?
5.4) Modify your drawing in 5.2 to illustrate what would happen if the starting materials were
de-stabilized. Would this increase or decrease the rate of reaction?
5.5) Draw the expected products for the reactions shown below. Indicate the major products
where possible if a mixture is expected to occur.
a)
Cl2
hv, 25° C
b)
Cl2
hv, 25° C
c)
Br2
hv, 25° C
5.6) Two reaction coordinate diagrams are shown below. Answer the following questions
regarding these diagrams.
a) Which of these reactions is endothermic?
b) Which of these reactions could happen ‘spontaneously’? And what does this mean?
c) Both A and B have a ‘valley’ in the middle. What does this portion of the diagram
represent?
d) Label the Transition state(s) in each coordinate as “TS”.
e) Label each diagram with the G‡ – are these different sizes for the two reactions?
Chapter 5
5-1–5-33 (in chapter problems); 5-34–5-44, 5-46–5-50
Answer key #5
5.1) Rank the relative stability of the carbocation structures shown below (from most stable to
least stable).
5.2) Draw a hypothetical reaction coordinate diagram for an exothermic reaction that has only
one transition state and no intermediates. Label the starting material, products, transition state,
and G‡.
TS
SM
PROD
5.3) Modify your drawing in 5.2 to illustrate what would happen if the transition state were
stabilized. Would this increase or decrease the rate of reaction?
5.4) Modify your drawing in 5.2 to illustrate what would happen if the starting materials were
de-stabilized. Would this increase or decrease the rate of reaction?
5.5) Draw the expected products for the reactions shown below. Indicate the major products
where possible if a mixture is expected to occur.
5.6) Two reaction coordinate diagrams are shown below. Answer the following questions
regarding these diagrams.
a) Which of these reactions is endothermic?
Reaction B is endothermic – the product is higher in energy than the starting material.
Reaction A is exothermic, it gives up energy as the products are formed.
b) Which of these reactions could happen ‘spontaneously’? And what does this mean?
c) Both A and B have a ‘valley’ in the middle. What does this portion of the diagram
represent?
This is an intermediate. Intermediates are species that exist for a discreet time between
transition states.
e) Label each diagram with the G‡ – are these different sizes for the two reactions?
They are different – G‡ is determined by the energy to get over the first transition state.
Since the starting point of both reactions is different, the G‡ is different.
Problem Set #6
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
A
CHO CHO
H OH H OH
CH 2OH CH 2OH
B C
CHO B
CHO
H OH HO H
HO H H OH
H OH HO H
CH 2OH CH 2OH
C
D E
CH2 OH CH 2 OH
HO H H OH D,E
H OH HO H
HO H H OH
CH2 OH CH 2 OH
Br
B
6.3) Provide a conformational analysis of the following derivatives. Show both chair forms for
each structures as part of your analysis.
6.4) For each of the pairs shown below, indicate the relationship between the compounds. Are
they the same, constitutional isomers, stereoisomers – and if so what kind of stereoisomer?
Br Br
a)
Br Br
Br Br
b)
Br Br
Br Br
c)
Br Br
d)
Cl Cl
e)
Cl Cl
f)
Cl Cl
6.5) The structure below is a drug molecule. How many isomers of this compound might you
predict are present in a sample? Why?
HO
6.6) Many organic chemistry textbooks (but not ours this year!) contain a passage regarding the
stereochemistry of a drug known as thalidomide, which was used for a brief period in the 1960s
as a treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. The textbooks may even suggest that
each enantiomer of thalidomide has distinct biological activity. Were this so, it is posited that the
tragedy of birth defects caused by one isomer could have been avoided if only one enantiomer
had been used. This myth has been perpetuated in the chemical literature to dramatize the
importance of stereochemistry.
N O
NH
O O
Chapter 6
6-1–6-24 (in chapter problems); 6-25–6-34
Answer key #6
6.1) Convert the following Fisher projections to 3D projections:
6.3) Provide a conformational analysis of the following derivatives. Show both chair forms for
each structures as part of your analysis.
recall:
CH3
H CH 3
A equivalent
H stability H
CH 3 H
CH 3
CH 3 H
B
H
H H3 C
H more
stable Axial Equatorial
6.4) For each of the pairs shown below, indicate the relationship between the compounds. Are
they the same, constitutional isomers, stereoisomers – and if so what kind of stereoisomer?
Br Br
a) Same molecule (rotation by 180)
Br Br
Br Br
b) enantiomers
Br Br R,R vs. S,S
Br Br
meso compound
c) R,S and R,S
Br Br
f) enantiomers
Cl Cl 1S,2R and 1R,2S
Cl Cl
Cl
6.5) The structure below is a drug molecule. How many isomers of this compound might you
predict are present in a sample? Why?
racemic ibuprofen
O
O
HO
HO
6.6 ) Thalidomide:
O
H B
N O O
NH
O O N O
NH
O -
O O
H
N O H+
NH
O O
Problem Set #7
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
7.1. ) Given the following reaction mechanisms, draw the expected products. Be sure to note
stereochemistry in the product(s) if necessary.
Br
NaOH
a) SN2
O
I NaCN
b) SN2
H2O
c) SN1
Br
50 C
OTs
d) CH3OH
SN1
50 C
Br
e) NaNH2
E2
f) NaOH
E2
Br
7.2. ) Draw the carbocation intermediate and products of the following reaction:
I
H 2O
MeO 50 C
7.3. ) Starting from (R)-2-bromopentane, provide reaction conditions for synthesizing the
structures shown below.
HS
a)
O
b)
O
c)
7.4. ) For the following substrates and reaction conditions, draw the structures of the reaction
product(s) expected. Identify the reaction mechanism responsible.
NaOEt
a)
Br
50 C, EtOH
Br NaOC(CH3
b)
50 C, t-buta
CH3OH
c) Br
50 C
NaOC(CH3
d) Br
50 C, t-buta
Cl NaI
e)
50 C, Aceto
Cl MeOH
f)
25 C
MeOH
g) (S)-3-iodo-3-methylhexane
25 C
7.5. ) Two reaction conditions are shown below. Provide a rationale for why a reacts much
slower than b.
H2 O
a) H3 C Br H 3C OH
50 C
H2 O
b) H 3C Br + NaI H 3C OH
50 C
7.6. ) Rate equations can be used to determine the mechanism of a given reaction. An example is
given in the following excercize:
a. Write the rate equation for the SN2 reaction below.
NaOH
Br OH
50 C
c. Based on the rate equations you’ve written, predict what you would observe for the following
conditions:
i. Reaction a, performed in low concentration of NaOH.
ii. Reaction a, performed in high concentration of NaOH.
iii. Reaction b, performed in low concentration of H2O.
iv. Reaction b, performed in high concentration of H2O.
Chapter 7
7-1–7-40 (in chapter problems); 7-41–7-57, 7-60, 7-63
Answer key #7
7.1. ) Given the following reaction mechanisms, draw the expected products. Be sure to note
stereochemistry in the product(s) if necessary.
Br OH
NaOH
a) SN2
O O
I NaCN CN
b) SN2
H 2O
c) SN1
Br 50 C OH
OTs OTs O
d) CH 3OH O OMe
SN1 S
CH 3
50 C O
Br
NaNH2 Et Br CH Et
e) 3
E2 H
H CH 3 CH 3
H CH3
f) NaOH Br
E2 H H
Br
H CH 3
7.2. ) Draw the carbocation intermediate and products of the following reaction:
I OH
H 2O
O
MeO 50 C
O
OH
O
7.3. ) Starting from (R)-2-bromopentane, provide reaction conditions for synthesizing the
structures shown below.
SH Br
a) NaSH +
O Br
b) NaOEt +
O
Br
O
c) NaOAc +
7.4. ) For the following substrates and reaction conditions, draw the structures of the reaction
product(s) expected. Identify the reaction mechanism responsible.
a) NaOEt SN2
Br O
50 C, EtOH
Br NaOC(CH3)3
b) E2
50 C, t-butanol
CH3OH
c) Br SN1 O
50 C
NaOC(CH3)3
d) Br E2
50 C, t-butanol
Cl I
NaI
e) SN2
50 C, Acetone
Cl OMe
MeOH
f) SN1
25 C
MeOH SN1 O
g) (S)-3-iodo-3-methylhexane
I 25 C
SN2 I
NaI
h) (R)-2-bromo-heptane
Br 50 C, MeOH
7.5. ) Two reaction conditions are shown below. Provide a rationale for why a reacts much
slower than b.
H2 O
a) H3 C Br H 3C OH
50 C
H2 O
b) H 3C Br + NaI H 3C OH
50 C
Iodide is a better nucleophile than bromide, and bromide is a good leaving group. The
addition of sodium iodide leads to displacement of the bromide to form methyl iodide in an
SN2 reaction. This new substrate can react with water to provide the final product. Since
iodide is a better leaving group for SN2, the reaction goes faster than in water alone.
H 2O
H 3C OH 2+ H3 C OH
slow
H3 C Br
I- H 2O
H 3C I H3 C OH2 + H 3C OH
f ast fast
7.6. ) Rate equations can be used to determine the mechanism of a given reaction. An example is
given in the following exercise:
a. Write the rate equation for the SN2 reaction below.
NaOH
Br OH
50 C rate=k[RX][NaOH]
c. Based on the rate equations you’ve written, predict what you would observe for
the following conditions:
i. Reaction a, performed in low concentration of NaOH.
The reaction should be slowed, it is first order in NaOH.
ii. Reaction a, performed in high concentration of NaOH.
The reaction should go faster.
iii. Reaction b, performed in low concentration of H2O.
The reaction rate is not dependant on water, so there will be no change.
iv. Reaction b, performed in high concentration of H2O.
The reaction rate is not dependant on water, so there will be no change.
Problem Set #8
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
8.1 ) Determine the degree of unsaturation (DoU) for the following formulas and structures:
(You can use the formula in the notes, or just count rings and double bonds).
i ii iii iv
i ii iii iv v
8.3 ) What are the expected products if the following alcohols are treated with concentrated acid
(such as conc. H3PO4 or 20% H2SO4)?
OH HO
HO
OH
i ii iii iv
H H
H H
i ii iii iv
8.5) The two substrates shown below are subjected to reaction conditions that should favor and
E2 reaction.
a. Draw the product(s) of each reaction.
b. What is the likely relative rate of these two reactions? Which will be fastest?
c. Explain your answer to b using conformational diagrams of the substrates.
NaNH 2
Br
NaNH 2
Br
Chapter 8
8-1–8-29 (in chapter problems); 8-30–8-47, 8-55
Answer key #8
8.1 ) Calculate the degree of unsaturation for the following formulas and structures: (You can use
the formula in the notes, or just count rings and double bonds).
i ii iii iv
i. 2 DoU
ii. 1
iii. 1
iv. 1
v. 2
vi. 1
vii. 4
viii. 8 – this compound is an active ingredient of pesticides like RAID (tetramethrin)
8.2 ) Which of the following alkene structures has the greatest heat of hydrogenation?
i ii iii iv v
iv. Is the most stable, and has the smallest heat of hydrogenation. v. is the
least stable, and has the largest heat of hydrogenation.
8.3 ) What are the expected products if the following alcohols are treated with concentrated acid
(such as conc. H3PO4 or 20% H2SO4)?
OH HO
HO
OH
i ii iii iv
H H
H H
i ii iii iv
8.5) The two substrates shown below are subjected to reaction conditions that should favor and
E2 reaction.
a. Draw the product(s) of each reaction.
b. What is the likely relative rate of these two reactions? Which will be fastest?
c. Explain your answer to b using conformational diagrams of the substrates.
unfavorable conformation
Br H CH3
H f ast
NaNH 2 H
CH 3
CH 3
Br Br
major minor
f avored conformation
Problem Set #9
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
9.1 ) For the reaction shown below, write out a complete mechanism that includes all side-
products and shows the movement of electrons. Indicate important intermediates and the final
product.
HBr
ether
HBr Br
Br
ether
Br
observed not-observed
Cl2
ii
Br2
iii
Br2
iv
HBr
HBr
ii
HBr
iii H2O
Br2
iv
H2O
Br2
v
H2O
1) BH3
vi
2)NaOH, H2O2
H2 (xs)
vii Pd/C
D2 (xs)
viii Pd/C
O H2 (xs)
Pd/C
ix
1) BH3
x
2)NaOH, H2O2
9.5 ) Draw the products in the following single- and multi-step reactions:
1) OsO4
i 2) NaHSO3 , H 2O
KMnO 4
ii
KOH, H 2O, heat
1) O3
iii
2) Zn, HOAc
Br 1) NaNH 2
iv
2) Br 2
HBr
v
1) BH 3
vi
2) NaOH, H2 O2
3) HBr, heat
1) BH 3
vii 2) NaOH, H2 O2
3) NaNH 2
4) CH 3I
1) NaNH 2
viii 2)
Br
9.6 ) Propose a multi-step sequence from the starting material shown that gives the indicated
final product. You may use any alkyl halides or other reagents discussed in class for your
answer.
?
?
OH
HO
OH
?
Br O
h
HBr
HBr
peroxides
HBr
O SOCl2
OH
O O
H2N
Cl O
9.8 ) Write out the mechanism of the radical addition shown below. Classify steps as initiation,
propagation, and termination.
Br2
h
HBr
peroxides
9.9 ) Write out the stepwise mechanism for the formation of a dimer in the polymerizations
shown below. Draw the repeating unit structure of the product.
F R
F
F
Radical initiator
F
O
Cl + H2N
Cl NH2
O
Chapter 9
9-1–9-6, 9-10–9-45 (in chapter problems); 9-46, 9-48–9-51
Answer key #9
9.1 ) For the reaction shown below, write out a complete mechanism that includes all side-
products and shows the movement of electrons. Indicate important intermediates and the final
product.
HBr
ether
Br-
HBr Br
ether
HBr Br
Br
ether
Br
observed not-observed
ring strain
Electrophilic addition results in a tertiary carbon next to a
highly strained cyclobutane. The strain can be relieved by an
alkyl shift, which gives a secondary carbocation. This cation
can react with the bromide ion to give one of the product, or
else re-arrange in another alkyl shift to a tertiary carbocation,
which gives the second observed product.
secondary tertiary
carbocation carbocation
Cl2 Cl Cl
i +
Cl Cl
Cl2 Cl Cl
ii +
Cl Cl
Br2 Br
Br
+
iii
Br
Br
CH3 CH3
Br Br H Br Br H
Br2
iv + H Br + Br H
H CH3 H CH3
Br Br
CH3 CH3
HBr
Br
ii
HBr OH
iii H2O
Br
OH
Br2
iv
H2O
OH OH
Br2 +
v
H2O Br Br
HO
1) BH3
vi
2)NaOH, H2O2
H2 (xs)
vii Pd/C
D2 (xs)
Pd/C D D
viii
D D
O
O H2 (xs)
Pd/C
ix
OH
1) BH3
OH
x
2)NaOH, H2O2
slightly favored
1) OsO4 OH OH
+
i 2) NaHSO3, H2O
OH OH
O
KMnO4 HO
ii OH
KOH, H2O O
heat
1) O3 O
O
iii
2) Zn, HOAc
Br Br
Br Br Br
1) NaNH2
iv +
2) Br2
Br
HBr
v
SN1 E1
1) BH3
vi +
2) NaOH, H2O2 OH Br
3) HBr, heat
1) BH3
vii 2) NaOH, H2O2 OH O
3) NaNH2
4) CH3I
1) NaNH2
viii 2)
Br
9.6 ) Propose a two- or three-step sequence from the starting material shown that gives the
indicated final product. You may use any alkyl halides or other reagents discussed in class.
1) BH3 1) NaNH2
2)NaOH, H2O2 OH 2) O
Br
?
OH
HO
OH
OH O O
1) NaNH2 1) OsO4
2) 2) NaHSO3, H2O HO
Br OH
?
Br O
Br 1) O3 Br O NaNH2 O
2) Zn, HOAc
h Br
HBr
Br
Br
HBr
peroxides
HBr
Br
O SOCl2 O
OH Cl
O O O
H2N O
Cl O N
H
O
9.8 ) Write out the mechanism of the radical addition shown below. Classify steps as initiation,
propagation, and termination.
Br Br
2 Br
Br2 H initiation
H
h
propagation
Br
Br
termination
HBr OR initiation 2 OR
RO
peroxides
H
Br propagation
Br
propagation
propagation
(still a Br radical H
Br Br
generated)
Br
9.9 ) Write out the stepwise mechanism for the formation of a dimer in the polymerizations
shown below. Draw the repeating unit structure of the product.
F
F R F F
R F F
F R
F F
F F F F F
Radical initiator
F F F F
F F
F F n
teflon
O O
O-
Cl + H2N
Cl NH2 Cl Cl
O NH2+
H2N
O O
O O Cl-
Cl Cl
NH NH2+
H2N H2N
O
H
N
N
H n
O
Nylon-4,2
The most commonly used analysis for these types of problems is known as a “retrosynthetic
analysis”. As the name implies, this is based on working backwards from the complex structure
to simple starting materials. The process begins with analyzing the molecular structure.
OH
A quick analysis:
1) Carbon skeleton: 2-methyl-pentane
2) Functional groups: secondary alcohol
3) Regiochemistry: alcohol is vicinal to a tertiary carbon
4) Stereochemistry: none given
The next step is to propose a reverse reaction – a reaction whose product is the structure
we are analyzing. This is also called a “retrosynthetic step” and is represented with a
double arrow:
OH
The target alcohol could have been formed by the non-Markovnikov addition across the
2-methyl-2-pentene structure. We can propose additional steps to simplify the structure
more:
Br
Br
The alkene could have been generated from an E2 reaction of an alkyl halide. Two
substrates are possible for this reaction. One of these alkyl halides can be made easily by
radical halogenation of 2-methyl-pentane. The alkane is a simple enough starting material
that we can consider this a complete analysis.
The final step of the analysis is to propose the forward synthesis. This is simply the
forward version of each of our retrosynthetic steps. Now we need to provide conditions
and analysis of any side products or issues likely to be encountered.
Br 2 NaNH 2 1) BH3
Br
h 2) H 2O2 , H 2O
OH
One of the advantages of retrosynthetic analysis is the ability to identify multiple pathways to
solve the same problem. This provides a set of choices for a chemist to use. For example, one
route could be based on a very cheap starting material, while another could have a very difficult
or non-selective step. Sometimes these issues are not revealed until the actual experiment is
done. For virtually all retrosynthetic analysis there are many correct answers!
Example 2:
+ CH 3Br
Br
+
Here the first retrosynthetic step can break one of two C-C bonds, each on the opposite
side of the alkyne. To decide on which branch is better, we need to consider each of the
component steps and the availability of starting materials.
The forward synthesis for these two possible routes could take the form of:
Na CH 3Br
Na
Br
Na
Na
Both of these routes are acceptable solutions to the problem. If one of the alkyne
derivatives is cheaper or easier to work with (the longer chain may be less volatile, for
example) we might favor that strategy.
These problems get progressively more complex as issues of regiochemistry and stereochemistry
are introduced. However, the essence of solving the problem is always to logically disassemble
the target structure using reactivity that you already know.
The following retrosynthetic problems will require a command of organic reactions that have
been presented and a grasp of the logic of retrosynthesis.
Retrosynthetic Problems:
First, consider a simple bromonium addition. The first step forms a strained bromonium
intermediate. However the second step results in attack by a nucleophile and ring opening
(forming a halo-hydrin, for example). The second step should have some expected
regiochemistry.
Nu Nu
Nu Br
Br
Br
Nu Br
+ enantiomer Br
Nu Nu
f avored pathway
H 3C H H
Nu H 3C Br
Br Br
Nu
H 3C H H 3C H Nu
+ enantiomer
H CH 3 Nu H CH 3
Br
Br Nu Br
H 3C H H 3C H
Nu
+ enantiomer
Another way to take advantage of the bromonium ion structure is to use cis- and trans- alkenes.
Each of these will react to give different relative stereochemistry (still a mixture of enantiomers)
that can be useful in retrosynthetic analysis.
10.2 ) Propose a retro- and forward synthesis of the following compounds. Include an analysis of
the stereochemistry. Note: you will not be able to synthesize single enantiomers, however you
should be able to solve the problem to generate the products shown along with its enantiomer.
starting from:
O OH
HO
i. OH
HO
HO O
Br
ii.
Br
OH
iii.
OH
OH
iv.
OH
starting from:
i.
1) NaNH2
2) CH3CH2Br
Li, NH3
dissolving metal
reduction
O PBr3
HO Br
ii. OH
HO
O
HBr would add to alkene!
KMnO4
KOH, heat
O X
OH O Br
HO OH
O HO
cyclize O
NaNH2
O
X OH
HO
O
iii. 1) Br2
2) NaNH2
HBr
and peroxides
Br NaNH 2
Br
H 2 (xs)
Pd/C
Br
Br
O OH O
Br
i. OH OH
HO HO
HO O see 9.1.ii O
1) OsO4
O 2) NaHSO 3, H2 O
OH
HO
O O OH
OH
HO
see 9.1.ii HO O
Br + enantiomer
Br
ii.
Br 1) HBr, peroxides
2)
Li, NH3
Br
Br2
Br
Br
Br 2 1) NaNH2 Br
h 2) HBr
peroxides
Li, NH3 H 2 (1 eq)
dissolving metal Lindlar's
1) OsO4
2) NaHSO 3, H2O
OH OH
OH OH
+ enantiomer + enantiomer
Instructions: Problem sets will be posted online at eClass as we complete each of the units
during the semester. These problems will be a mix of problems that I have written and assigned
problems in the textbook. Answers to non-textbook problems will be posted on eClass.
11.1 ) Write the products of the following single and multi-step reactions.
1) CH3MgBr
O
2) H3O+
O O 1) NaBH4
O 2) H3O+
1) CH3MgBr
O
2) H3O+
O
OH
1) Na
2)
Br
OH
H2N
O SOCl2
1)O3
2)Zn, HOAc
1) Na 1) NaBH4
2) 2) H3O+
OMe
Br
Chapter 10
10-1–10-25 (in chapter problems); 10-26–10-39
Chapter 11
11-1–11-29 (in chapter problems); 11-30–11-46, 11-48
O O 1) NaBH4 O OH
O 2) H3O+ O
1) CH3MgBr
O
2) H3O+
O OH
OH O
1) Na
2)
Br
OH Cl HN
H2N
O SOCl2
O O
1)O3
2)Zn, HOAc
O OH O
1) Na HN 1) NaBH4 HN
O
HN
2) O O
2) H3O+
O OMe
Br