Organic Chemistry Reagents Master List

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and reactions relevant to organic chemistry reagents and their applications.

Strong Acids

Acids like H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄ that activate –OH by protonating it to form H₂O, a good leaving group.

E1 Dehydration

A type of elimination reaction occurring with 2° and 3° alcohols, following Zaitsev’s rule, leading to the formation of alkenes.

Dehydration Reagents

Chemicals used to remove water from alcohols, for example, H₂SO₄ or POCl₃.

Alcohol to Alkyl Halide (Low Yield)

Conversion of alcohols to alkyl halides using HX, where 3° undergoes SN1 and 1° undergoes SN2.

Tosylates

Compounds formed by TsCl and pyridine that convert –OH to OTs, an excellent leaving group, enabling SN2 or E2 reactions.

Strong Oxidants

Reagents like H₂CrO₄ and KMnO₄ that oxidize 1° alcohols to carboxylic acids and 2° alcohols to ketones.

Mild Oxidants

Reagents such as PCC and DMP that stop oxidation at aldehyde for 1° alcohols and convert 2° alcohols to ketones.

Strong Reducing Agent

LiAlH₄ (with H₂O) that can reduce aldehydes and ketones to alcohols, and carboxylic acids to 1° alcohols.

Williamson Ether Synthesis

A method for creating ethers using alkoxide ions and primary alkyl halides through an SN2 reaction.

Epoxide Formation

Creation of epoxides from alkenes using reagents like mCPBA and peroxyacids.

Radical Halogenation

A reaction process involving the addition of halogens to alkanes, typically initiated by heat or light.

Radical Polymerization

A polymerization process initiated by radicals, such as using ROOR or AIBN.

Exam Tip: Oxidation

Remember, Chromium or Manganese oxides indicate oxidation reactions.

Protecting Groups for Alcohols

Chemical groups used to protect alcohols, with TMSCl and TBDMSCl being examples of weak and strong protecting groups respectively.

Allylic Bromination

Bromination of alkenes at the allylic position using NBS and light, that avoids addition to the double bond.