Chemistry - Organic Synthesis

Substitution Reaction

a chemical reaction in which an atom or group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms

Chain Reaction

a reaction that continues on and on because a product from one step of the reaction is a reactant for another step of the reaction

Addition Reaction

one in which two or more molecules react together to form single molecules

Elimination Reaction

one in which a small molecule is removed from a larger molecule to leave a double bond in the larger molecules

Organic Synthesis

the process of making organic compounds from simpler starting materials

Sodium Dichromate

used, along with dilute sulphuric acid, to oxidise alcohols and aldehydes

Dilute Sulphuric Acid

used, along with potassium dichromate, to oxidise alcohols and aldehydes

Alcohol

oxidised to an aldehyde

Aldehyde

oxidised to a carboxylic acid

Secondary Alcohol

oxidised to a ketone

Nickel Catalyst

used to reduce ketones, carboxylic acids and aldehydes

(hydrogen can also be used)

Hydrogen Catalyst

used to reduce ketones, carboxylic acids and aldehydes

(nickel can also be used)

Alkenes

are hydrated to alcohols

Alcohols

are dehydrated to alkenes, using aluminium oxide

Alkynes to Alkenes

addition reaction occurs, in the presence of a hydrogen or nickel catalyst

(same as alkenes to alkanes)

Alkenes to Alkanes

addition reaction occurs, in the presence of a hydrogen or nickel catalyst

(same as alkynes to alkenes)

Petroleum

cracked to produce alkanes, alkenes and alkynes

Alkanes to Haloalkanes

substitution reaction, +Cl₂

Alkenes to Haloalkanes

addition reaction, with either Cl₂ or Br₂

Carboxylic Acid

reacts with an alcohol, in the presence of dilute sulphuric acid, to produce an ester

Alcohol

reacts with a carboxylic acid, in the presence of dilute sulphuric acid, to produce an ester

Condensation Reaction

two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, with the loss of a small molecule, such as water