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Ch. 13 - Alcohols, Ethers and Related Compounds: Substitution and Elimination
Mullins - Organic Chemistry: A Learner Centered Approach 1st Edition
Mullins1st EditionOrganic Chemistry: A Learner Centered ApproachISBN: 9780137566471Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 106c(i,ii-xii)

Predict the product(s) that would result when molecules (a)–(p) are allowed to react under the following conditions: (i) SOCl₂ ; (ii) PBr₃ ; (iii) SOCl₂ , NEt₃ (iv) 1. TsCl, Et₃N 2. NaCN; (v) 1. TsCl, Et₃N 2. NaOt-Bu (vi) H₂SO₄ (vii) HCl; (viii) HBr; (ix) PCC; (x) H₂CrO₄ , H₂O (xi) HOCl, H₂O (xii) HIO₄ If no reaction occurs, write 'no reaction.'
(c) Chemical structure of a hexagonal ring with two hydroxyl (OH) groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms.

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1
Identify the functional groups present in the molecule. The given structure is a cyclohexane ring with two hydroxyl groups (OH) attached, indicating it is a diol.
Consider the reaction with SOCl₂. This reagent typically converts alcohols to alkyl chlorides. Each hydroxyl group can be replaced by a chlorine atom.
Consider the reaction with PBr₃. This reagent is used to convert alcohols to alkyl bromides. Each hydroxyl group can be replaced by a bromine atom.
Consider the reaction with SOCl₂ and NEt₃. NEt₃ is a base that can facilitate the conversion of alcohols to alkyl chlorides by deprotonating the alcohol, making the reaction more efficient.
Consider the reaction with TsCl and Et₃N followed by NaCN. TsCl converts alcohols to tosylates, which are good leaving groups. The subsequent reaction with NaCN would replace the tosylate group with a cyano group (CN).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Reagents and Their Functions

Understanding the role of specific reagents is crucial in organic chemistry. For instance, SOCl₂ (thionyl chloride) is commonly used for converting alcohols to alkyl chlorides, while PBr₃ (phosphorus tribromide) serves a similar purpose for bromides. Each reagent has unique properties that dictate the type of reaction and the resulting products, making it essential to know their functions in various transformations.
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Mechanisms of Nucleophilic Substitution

Nucleophilic substitution reactions, such as SN1 and SN2, are fundamental in organic chemistry. In these mechanisms, a nucleophile attacks an electrophile, leading to the replacement of a leaving group. The choice between SN1 and SN2 depends on factors like substrate structure and the nature of the nucleophile, which influences the reaction pathway and product formation.
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Nucleophiles and Electrophiles can react in Substitution Reactions.

Oxidation and Reduction Reactions

Oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions are key concepts in organic chemistry, involving the transfer of electrons between species. For example, PCC (pyridinium chlorochromate) and H₂CrO₄ (chromic acid) are oxidizing agents that convert alcohols to carbonyl compounds. Recognizing the oxidation states and understanding how different reagents affect these states is vital for predicting the outcomes of reactions.
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