[Lala]

Hi guys, I was doing a chemistry exercise and stumbled across a question that I have some trouble in. I haven't encountered this kind of chemical equation and have no idea how to even go about answering such a question (despite online research).

What are the products of C18H25NO + NaOH?

Any kind of help would be useful, but if you could explain how you reached this answer, that would be incredible too, thank you!

[mjc123]

Impossible to answer. C₁₈H₂₅NO could be any number of compounds. Do you know its structure?

[Arkcon]

The Wikipedia page for the formula you gave lists a number of common chemical compounds with thus atomic formula.  As was said already, the reaction will depend on the structure.

If you'd like some help getting to the bottom of the problem for class work, you'll need to talk about what you know, or have been recently taught, about these compounds and reactions.

Note:  Many of the compounds Wikipedia mentions are controlled substances, so if this isn't a homework question, and you're phishing for druggie kiddie info, that's against the forum rules, posted in red at the top of this page.

[Lala]

Oh yes thanks! I clarified with the teacher and it refers to the compound dextromethorphan. I was just wondering if anyone could go into detail about how the structure affects the equation, specifically?

[Arkcon]

Much better.  Ok.  You should know that NaOH is a strong base.  What sort of reactions have you learned that strong bases undergo?  Do you understand the functional groups in dextromethorphan?