Show how you would accomplish the following synthetic conversions efficiently and in good yield. You may use any necessary additional reagents and solvents.
(d)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Analyze the starting material and product. The starting material is a cyclopentanone with an aldehyde group (-CHO) at the 2-position. The product is a cyclopentane derivative with a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a hydrogen added to the alpha-carbon of the ketone group, indicating an aldol addition reaction.
2. Step 2: Identify the reaction type. This transformation involves an aldol addition reaction, where the enolate ion formed from the ketone reacts with the aldehyde group to form a β-hydroxy ketone.
3. Step 3: Choose the appropriate base. Use a mild base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) to generate the enolate ion from the ketone group. Ensure the reaction is carried out in an aqueous or alcoholic solvent to facilitate the aldol addition.
4. Step 4: Allow the enolate ion to attack the aldehyde group. The enolate ion formed from the ketone will act as a nucleophile and attack the electrophilic carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde group, forming a new C-C bond and resulting in the β-hydroxy ketone product.
5. Step 5: Optimize reaction conditions for good yield. Control the temperature and reaction time to prevent side reactions such as aldol condensation. Use purification techniques like recrystallization or chromatography to isolate the desired product efficiently.

Key Concepts

Synthetic Pathways

Synthetic pathways refer to the series of chemical reactions and transformations that convert starting materials into desired products. Understanding these pathways is crucial for planning efficient syntheses, as it involves selecting appropriate reagents, conditions, and reaction mechanisms to achieve high yields and minimize by-products.

Reagents and Solvents

Reagents are substances used to bring about a chemical reaction, while solvents are the mediums in which reactions occur. Choosing the right reagents and solvents is essential for optimizing reaction conditions, influencing factors such as solubility, reactivity, and selectivity, which ultimately affect the yield and efficiency of the synthetic conversion.

Reaction Mechanisms

Reaction mechanisms describe the step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions that occur during a chemical transformation. A thorough understanding of these mechanisms allows chemists to predict the outcomes of reactions, identify potential side reactions, and design strategies to enhance product formation and yield in synthetic processes.