Organic Chemistry Named Reactions and Reagents

This flashcard set covers key organic chemistry named reactions, reagents like Lucas reagent, and specific chemical tests and reduction methods detailed in the lecture notes.

Hoffmann Reduction

A reaction where an amide is treated with bromine and $KOH$ to produce a primary amine; for example: $CH_3-C-NH_2 + Br_2 \rightarrow CH_3-NH_2 + KBr + H_2O$ using $KOH$.

Lucas reagent

A solution of $ZnCl_2$ and $HCl$ used to convert alcohols ($ROH$) into an oily layer of haloalkanes ($R-Cl + H_2O$).

Lucas test (3^o Alcohols)

Reaction with Lucas reagent ($ZnCl_2 / HCl$) that results in the immediate formation of an oily layer of haloalkanes.

Lucas test (2^o Alcohols)

Reaction with Lucas reagent ($ZnCl_2 / HCl$) that results in the formation of an oily layer of haloalkanes within $5-10\,min$.

Lucas test (1^o Alcohols)

Reaction with Lucas reagent ($ZnCl_2 / HCl$) that results in the formation of an oily layer of haloalkanes only upon heating.

Dow's Method

The hydrolysis of chlorobenzene using $10\%\,NaOH$ at $623\,K$ and $300\,atm$ to form sodium phenoxide, which then reacts with $HCl$ to produce phenol.

Kolbe Schmitt Reaction

The reaction of phenol with $NaOH$ and $CO_2$ to produce 2-hydroxy sodium benzoate at $120-140^{\circ}C$ or 4-hydroxy sodium benzoate at $240^{\circ}C$.

Williamson Synthesis

A method for the conversion of alcohols to ethers via the reaction of a sodium alkoxide ($RONa$) with an alkyl halide ($RX$) to form $ROR + NaX$. ($ROH + 2Na \rightarrow 2RONa$).

Clemmensen Reduction

The reduction of carbonyl groups (such as $CH_3-C-H$) to alkanes ($CH_3-CH_3 + H_2O$) using $Zn-Hg$ and $HCl$ in an acidic medium.

Wolff-Kishner Reduction

The reduction of carbonyl groups ($R-C-R$) to alkanes ($R-CH_2-R + N_2 + H_2O$) using $N_2H_4$ and $KOH$ in a basic medium.

Functional Group Limitations (Clemmensen & Wolff-Kishner)

Both the Clemmensen and Wolff-Kishner reduction reactions do not reduce $C=C$, $C \equiv C$, or $-COOH$ groups.

Wurtz Reaction

A coupling reaction where alkyl halides ($RX$) react with sodium ($Na$) in dry ether to form alkanes ($R-R + 2NaX$).

Solubility of Carbon Chains

Compounds up to $C_3$ are soluble in polar solvents; chains beyond $C_3$ are insoluble in polar solvents but soluble in organic solvents.