[davidenarb]

In organic chemistry, there are some reactions where an equilibrium are established such the formation of Acetal starting from a carbonyl compound; I found a lot of emphasis and problems regarding this section.

However, I am curious to know whether these kind of reactions are synthetically useful?

Thanks

[Dan]

However, I am curious to know whether these kind of reactions are synthetically useful?

Yes, they can be very useful - acetal chemistry is extremely important in classical organic synthesis.

The system can be biased to favour one side of the equilibrium. Hint: Le Chatelier.

[PhDoc]

Acetal chemistry is a great example, and so is: (1) Fischer esterification; (2) Aldol chemistry; (3) imine formation; (4) transesterification; (5) cyanohydrin formation, etc.

Many reactions taking place in mammalian systems are equilibrium reactions.

The most important thing to understand is what constitutes an equilibrium reaction, and it's not simply " "

If you have an intermediate or product that, when placed into the conditions of the original reaction, leads to formation of earlier intermediates and/or starting material, then you have an equilibrium process.

Think Le Chatlier's Principle, what it means, and how it can be utilized in a lab. You'll then be led to the most common "trick" not in the book.

[zsinger]

See: Dean Stark Trap, and its use in organic synthesis.
        -Zack