The following experimental observations have been reported:
[1]) t-Buty1 chloride was added to lithium metal in dry ether at
\(35^{\circ}\). A vigorous reaction ensued with evolution of hydrocarbon gases.
After all the lithium metal was cosumed, the mixture was poured onto Dry Ice.
The only acidic product which could be isolated (small yield) was
4,4 -dimethylpentanoic acid.
2) t-Buty1 chloride was added to lithium metal in dry ether at
\(-40^{\circ}\). After all the lithium had reacted, the mixture was carbonated
and gave a good yield of trimethylacetic acid.
3) t-Buty1 chloride was added to lithium metal in dry ether at \(-40^{\circ}\).
After all the lithium was gone, ethylene was bubbled through the mixture at
\(-40^{\circ}\) until no further reaction occurred. Carbonation of this mixture
gave a good yield of
4, 4 -dimethylpentanoic acid.
a) Give a reasonably detailed analysis of the results obtained and show as
best you can the mechanisms involved in each reaction.
b) Would similar behavior be expected with methy1 chloride? Explain.
(c) Would you expect that any substantial amount of
\(6,6-\) dimethytheptanoic acid would be found in (3) (above)? Explain.