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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: arvind1990 on May 25, 2006, 01:50:45 PM

Title: chemistry conversions
Post by: arvind1990 on May 25, 2006, 01:50:45 PM
How do you convert acetaldehyde to

a)Butan-2-one b)Butan-1,3-diol c)But-2-enal d)Butanol e)Butanoic acid

f)But-2-enoic acid.

write the structures of the expected products of Aldol condensation:

a)2-methtylpentanal b)cyclohexanone c)1-phenylacetaldehyde d)phenylpropanone
Title: Re: chemistry conversions
Post by: Dan on May 25, 2006, 02:39:02 PM
Well, the aldol condensations are straightforeward. Look up 'aldol condensation' in a book.

What are your ideas so far on the synthesis of the first ones? Show some of your own input.
Title: Re: chemistry conversions
Post by: arvind1990 on May 25, 2006, 10:27:33 PM
I don not have any idea in the synthesis of the first ones.
I think for the synthesis of( a),we can use cross aldol condensation
ie.,CH3CH0 + CH3COCH3.
I donot have any ider other than this.
Title: Re: chemistry conversions
Post by: arvind1990 on May 28, 2006, 10:03:46 AM
Can anyone help me with those conversions(mentioned above).
Title: Re: chemistry conversions
Post by: Dan on May 28, 2006, 10:28:44 AM
I don not have any idea in the synthesis of the first ones.
I think for the synthesis of( a),we can use cross aldol condensation
ie.,CH3CH0 + CH3COCH3.
I donot have any ider other than this.

yes, that aldol reaction following dehydration will give CH3COCH=CH2, you can then use catalytic hydrogenation to hydrogenate the C=C

b) same reaction, but do not dehydrate the aldol product (use very dilute base), and reduce the carbonyl with eg. LiAlH4

c) This one is just an aldol self-condensation, followed by dehydration

d) is c) followed by hydrogenation of the C=C, and reduction of the carbonyl.

e) is c) followed by hyrogenation of the C=C, and then oxidation of the carbonyl

f) is e) but without the hydrogenation step
Title: Re: chemistry conversions
Post by: arvind1990 on May 28, 2006, 11:53:09 PM
Hi,

Thank You for your reply. Can you say how to dehydrate the aldol formed between the reaction od CH3CHO and CH3COCH3 i.e., how you got the product CH3COCH=CH2
Title: Re: chemistry conversions
Post by: Dan on May 29, 2006, 06:17:10 AM
Sorry, I have made a mistake,

For a) EtLi , then oxidise to ketone. This might be a bit dodgy due to the basicity of the EtLi.

for b) Aldol self condensation, followed by reduction of the carbonyl