What alkene would you start with if you wanted to synthesize
b. ethylcyclopentane?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the target molecule, ethylcyclopentane, which consists of a cyclopentane ring with an ethyl group (-CH2CH3) attached to it.
2. Determine the reaction type that can be used to synthesize ethylcyclopentane. A common method is the hydrogenation of an alkene, where an alkene reacts with H2 in the presence of a catalyst to form an alkane.
3. Work backward to identify the alkene precursor. Remove the ethyl group (-CH2CH3) from the cyclopentane structure to determine the corresponding alkene. This suggests the starting alkene should have a double bond where the ethyl group will be added.
4. Propose the structure of the starting alkene. The most likely candidate is cyclopentene, with a double bond in the cyclopentane ring, and ethylene (CH2=CH2) as the source of the ethyl group.
5. Consider the reaction mechanism. The synthesis can be achieved through an alkene addition reaction, such as hydroalkylation, where ethylene reacts with cyclopentene in the presence of a catalyst to form ethylcyclopentane.

Key Concepts

Alkene Reactivity

Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond, making them reactive intermediates in organic synthesis. Their reactivity allows them to undergo various reactions, such as addition reactions, which can be utilized to form more complex structures. Understanding the reactivity of alkenes is crucial for determining which alkene can be transformed into the desired product.

Cyclization Reactions

Cyclization reactions involve the formation of cyclic compounds from acyclic precursors. In the case of synthesizing ethylcyclopentane, a key step would be the cyclization of a suitable alkene to form a five-membered ring. Recognizing the conditions and mechanisms that favor cyclization is essential for successfully constructing cyclic structures in organic synthesis.

Synthetic Pathways

Synthetic pathways refer to the series of chemical reactions and transformations used to convert starting materials into a target compound. Identifying the correct synthetic pathway involves understanding the functional groups present, the types of reactions that can be performed, and the order of steps needed to achieve the desired product. This knowledge is vital for planning the synthesis of ethylcyclopentane from an appropriate alkene.