Mr Cole Chemistry

Organic Synthesis Involving Arenes

Synthesis Pathways

Aromatic Chemistry Worksheet

Synthesis Pathways

Draw the skeletal formula of the missing piece of the following synthesis pathways and state the reagents and conditions required for each step.
Pathway a)
Synthesis Pathway A Question
Answer Synthesis Pathway A Answer
  • Step 1: Concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid.
  • Step 2: Concentrated hydrochloric acid followed by sodium hydroxide. Tin catalyst. Heating. (Alternative: H2 and nickel catalyst).
Pathway b)
Synthesis Pathway B Question
Answer Synthesis Pathway B Answer
  • Step 1: Chloromethane and aluminium chloride. Heat and reflux.
  • Step 2: Ammonia, heat, dissolved in ethanol.
Pathway c)
Synthesis Pathway C Question
Answer Synthesis Pathway C Answer
  • Step 1: Chloroethane and aluminium chloride. Heat and reflux.
  • Step 2: Cl2 and UV light.
Pathway d)
Synthesis Pathway D Question
Answer Synthesis Pathway D Answer
  • Step 1: Ethanoyl chloride, warm.
  • Step 2: LiAlH4 (in dry ether) or NaBH4.
Pathway e)
Synthesis Pathway E Question
Answer Synthesis Pathway E Answer
  • Step 1: Methanoyl chloride and aluminium chloride. Heat under reflux.
  • Step 2: Potassium dichromate; heat under reflux.
Pathway f)
Synthesis Pathway F Question
Answer Synthesis Pathway F Answer
  • Step 1: Ethanoyl chloride and aluminium chloride. Heat under reflux.
  • Step 2: Potassium cyanide and dilute sulfuric acid.
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