Chemsheets Organic Synthesis Problems Answers |top| -

Example: If you need to make 3-nitrobenzoic acid , you must oxidize a methyl group to a carboxylic acid (as it is a meta-director) before nitrating.

Do not start at the beginning. Work backward from the target molecule to the starting material. Ask yourself: "What immediately preceded this product?" 3. Consider Reagents and Conditions Chemsheets Organic Synthesis Problems Answers

Do the starting material and product have the same number of carbons? Example: If you need to make 3-nitrobenzoic acid

Carboxylic Acid: Reflux with excess acidified potassium dichromate. Reflux with acidified potassium dichromate. Aldehyde/Ketone →right arrow Alcohol: Reduction using sodium tetrahydrobaborate ( NaBH4NaBH sub 4 ) in aqueous solution. 2. Extending the Carbon Chain Chemsheets Organic Synthesis Problems Answers

Primary Alcohol <---> Aldehyde <---> Carboxylic Acid Secondary Alcohol <---> Ketone Acidified potassium dichromate( ) turns primary alcohols into aldehydes under distillation.