Predict the product(s) that would result when the following molecules are allowed to react under the following conditions: (i) 1. BH₃ 2. NaOH, H₂O₂. If there is no reaction, write 'no reaction.'
(a)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Recognize the reaction type. The given conditions (1. BH₃, 2. NaOH, H₂O₂) indicate hydroboration-oxidation, which is a two-step reaction used to convert alkenes into alcohols.
2. Step 2: Identify the functional group in the molecule. Hydroboration-oxidation specifically reacts with alkenes (C=C double bonds). If the molecule contains an alkene, proceed; otherwise, write 'no reaction.'
3. Step 3: Understand the regioselectivity of hydroboration. The addition of BH₃ to the alkene occurs in an anti-Markovnikov fashion, meaning the boron atom attaches to the less substituted carbon of the double bond.
4. Step 4: Oxidation step. In the second step, NaOH and H₂O₂ convert the boron group into a hydroxyl group (-OH), resulting in the formation of an alcohol. The hydroxyl group will be attached to the less substituted carbon of the original double bond.
5. Step 5: Predict the product. Draw the structure of the molecule after the hydroxyl group has been added to the less substituted carbon of the double bond. If no alkene is present in the starting molecule, write 'no reaction.'

Key Concepts

Hydroboration-Oxidation

Hydroboration-oxidation is a two-step reaction process used to convert alkenes into alcohols. In the first step, borane (BH₃) adds across the double bond of the alkene, resulting in a trialkylborane intermediate. The second step involves oxidation with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the presence of a base (NaOH), which converts the boron atom into a hydroxyl group, yielding an alcohol.

Regioselectivity

Regioselectivity refers to the preference of a chemical reaction to yield one structural isomer over others when multiple products are possible. In hydroboration, the addition of borane occurs in a syn manner, favoring the formation of the more stable, less substituted alcohol product due to the anti-Markovnikov rule, where the boron atom attaches to the less substituted carbon of the alkene.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states are a way to keep track of electron transfer in chemical reactions. In the context of hydroboration-oxidation, the oxidation state of carbon changes as the alkene is converted to an alcohol. Understanding how oxidation states change helps predict the products of reactions and assess the reactivity of different functional groups in organic compounds.