Question

Identify reagents A and B in the following reaction scheme. This synthetic sequence was used to prepare the C18 juvenile hormone (Figure 20.6).

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Organocuprate reaction

Hydrocarbons are synthesized via the reaction of alkyl halides with organocuprate reagents leading to the formation of a new C-C bond.

Identifying reagents (A & B)

The given alkyl iodide is reacted with lithium diethyl cuprate (A) to form the corresponding hydrocarbon.

Formation of hydrocarbon using lithium diethyl cuprate

Again, the other alkyl iodide would react with lithium dimethyl cuprate (B) to form the corresponding hydrocarbon.

Formation of hydrocarbon using lithium dimethyl cuprate