[KaliyaK]

Hi, i'm starting to get into organic chemistry, for about 4 years i have been doing basis inorganics and would like to understand more about organics. Sorry if i say something that is incorrect.
So starting from a molecule, for example metaldehyde, how is it possible to substitute the CH3 groups for OH group? Also what would be the name of the resulting compound? Or something more simple like toluene to phenol, and phenol to toluene?
Thanks!

[kriggy]

Generaly, breaking C-C bonds is quite difficult. Its not impossible to break C-C bond but I dont realy thing this reaction you are describing.

[KaliyaK]

it needs a catalyst right?

[kriggy]

Well, I suppose if you could do -CH₃  -OH transformation reliably at reasonable conditions you would be very rich man. I dont know any reaction that would substitute methyl for OH group with the exception of Haloform reaction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haloform_reaction

[orgopete]

Since each structure is based upon readily obtainable commercial products, I cannot think of any instance that one would try to convert one into the other. Since that is the case, I wonder if the question is a substitute for a different question? If so, what is the real question?

[Enthalpy]

To break all C-C and leave all others, which are C-O and C-H, maybe perhaps deep UV light might work. But then, one would need a means to graft the OH immediately and nothing else - difficult.

I too wonder: why? Not for these two specific compounds probably.

[KaliyaK]

It was a general question. Thanks.