Question

Propose syntheses of the following molecules starting with methylenecyclohexane, alcohols, iodides containing no more than four carbon atoms, and any inorganic materials (no carbons) you want:

Short answer

Identify starting materials, plan synthesis route, form intermediates, complete synthesis.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the available starting materials

The available starting materials are methylenecyclohexane, alcohols, iodides containing no more than four carbon atoms, and any inorganic materials. These materials give an insight into the possible chemical reactions that can be used.

Understand the target molecules

Analyze the structure of the molecules that need to be synthesized and identify the functional groups present. This helps in selecting the proper reactions needed for synthesis.

Plan the synthesis route

Determine the sequence of reactions that convert the starting materials into the desired products. Consider common organic reactions such as substitution, addition, elimination, and oxidation-reduction.

Synthesize the intermediate compounds

Use the given starting materials to synthesize any necessary intermediates. For example, iodides can be synthesized by reacting alcohols with hydroiodic acid.

Perform the final synthesis steps

Combine the intermediate compounds through the planned synthesis route to obtain the target molecules. Apply the reactions step-by-step to ensure correct functional group transformations and target molecule formation.

Key concepts

starting materials

Starting materials are the initial substances used in a chemical reaction to create a desired product. In this exercise, our starting materials include methylenecyclohexane, alcohols, iodides with no more than four carbon atoms, and any inorganic materials. Understanding their properties and reactivities is key. Methylenecyclohexane, for example, is a hydrocarbon and can participate in a variety of addition reactions.
Alcohols, due to their hydroxyl group, are polar and can be used in substitution reactions to form different products. Iodides, being good leaving groups, are often used in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Inorganic materials provide other necessary elements and conditions for reactions, like acids, bases, and oxidizing or reducing agents.

reaction planning

Reaction planning involves determining the sequence of chemical reactions to synthesize a target molecule from the starting materials. This often entails breaking down the final product into simpler steps that map back to the starting materials. A good reaction plan:

• Identifies key functional groups in the target molecule.
• Considers how to form those functional groups from the starting materials.
• Uses common and reliable organic reactions like substitution, addition, elimination, and oxidation-reduction.

Effective planning is crucial to ensure that each step logically follows from the previous one, minimizing the formation of unwanted by-products and maximizing yield.

functional group transformations

Functional group transformations are chemical changes that convert one functional group into another. These transformations are essential in organic synthesis as they allow chemists to modify molecules to achieve the desired structure. Common transformations include:

• Oxidation, like converting an alcohol to a ketone or aldehyde.
• Reduction, such as turning a ketone into an alcohol.
• Substitution, which might transform an alcohol into an iodide.

Each transformation technique must be chosen based on the stability and reactivity of the functional groups involved. Proper understanding of these changes ensures precise modification of molecules and guides the synthesis process.

intermediate compounds

Intermediate compounds are species formed during the middle steps of a multi-step chemical reaction. These intermediates are not the final products but are crucial for achieving the desired synthesis. For example, in converting alcohols to iodides, the intermediate might initially involve an alkyl halide produced by reacting the alcohol with hydroiodic acid.
Intermediates provide a checkpoint to verify progress during a synthesis. Monitoring and isolating these compounds can help adjust conditions if the reaction is not proceeding as planned. Proper management and understanding of intermediates are critical for the success of multi-step synthesis.

organic reactions

Organic reactions are the broad category of chemical reactions involving organic compounds. These include:

• Addition reactions, where elements are added to a molecule without losing any atoms from it.
• Substitution reactions, where one atom or group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another.
• Elimination reactions, where molecules lose atoms or groups from their structure, forming double or triple bonds.
• Oxidation-reduction reactions, where the oxidation state of molecules changes.

Understanding these reactions and knowing when and how to apply them is essential for executing successful synthesis. They provide the tools needed to manipulate the starting materials into the desired products through various transformations and combinations.