Question

Devise syntheses for the following molecules starting from methylenecyclopentane (1). You may use any inorganic reagent (no carbons) and the following "special" organic reagents: dizzomethane, carbon tetrachloride, tert-butyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, tert-butyl iodide, Hg \((\mathrm{OAc})_{2}\), carbon, \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2} \mathrm{~S}\), trifluoroperacetic acid, and the secret contents of Zhou Enhai's favorite veggie dumplings. Your answers may be very short (one to three steps), and no mechanisms are required.

Short answer

React methylenecyclopentane with ethyl alcohol for desired synthesis.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the target molecule

Clarify the structure of the target molecule you need to synthesize from methylenecyclopentane.

Add the first reagent

Select an appropriate reagent from the allowed list. For example, choose ethyl alcohol.

First reaction step

React methylenecyclopentane with ethyl alcohol to add an ethyl group. Use carbocation formation and subsequent alkylation.

Final structure verification

Check the final molecule to ensure it aligns with the desired synthesized molecule.

Key concepts

reaction mechanism

Understanding the reaction mechanism is crucial when working on organic synthesis. A reaction mechanism details the step-by-step process by which reactants transform into products. It includes the breaking and forming of bonds, the movement of electrons, and the intermediate states involved. For the exercise given, we start with methylenecyclopentane, involving reactions that could include electrophilic addition or substitution. In the case of alkylation, a carbocation intermediate often forms. Knowing the mechanism allows predicting the outcome effectively and selecting the right conditions for the reaction. This detailed knowledge is like having a roadmap guiding the transformation of starting materials into the desired product.

organic reagents

Organic reagents are essential in driving forward the synthesis in organic chemistry. They are compounds that participate and drive chemical reactions forward. In our exercise, some of the 'special' organic reagents allowed include ethyl alcohol, methanol, and tert-butyl iodide. For instance, ethyl alcohol can act as a nucleophile in reactions with electrophilic centers. Each reagent has unique properties that make it suitable for specific reactions. By understanding the reagents' roles, such as nucleophiles that donate electron pairs or electrophiles that accept them, one can effectively utilize them to achieve the desired synthesis efficiently.

alkylation

Alkylation is a type of chemical reaction where an alkyl group is added to a molecule. It's a significant step in organic synthesis for constructing complex molecules. In the step-by-step solution given, alkylation occurs when methylenecyclopentane reacts with ethyl alcohol, resulting in the addition of an ethyl group. This process typically involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate, which then reacts with the nucleophilic ethyl alcohol. Alkylation is valuable in creating a wide range of products, from pharmaceuticals to synthetic polymers, showcasing its versatility in organic chemistry.