Practice-Problem: Two-Reaction Pathway

The video tutorial explains a two-step sequence involving a substrate with two carbonyl functionalities. The first step involves enolate chemistry and intramolecular aldol condensation to form a six-membered ring. The second step is a Diels-Alder reaction, forming a new six-membered ring. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of ring size and the kinetic favorability of intramolecular reactions.

What is the first step in the reaction sequence involving the substrate with two carbonyl functionalities?

• Protonation of the substrate

• Diels-Alder reaction

• Enolate formation using a strong base

• Formation of a diene

Why are four-membered rings generally not favorable in intramolecular aldol condensation?

• They do not involve enolate chemistry

• They are too large to be stable

• They are too small to be favorable

• They require too much energy to form

In the aldol condensation process, which carbon attacks the carbonyl carbon to form a six-membered ring?

• The alpha carbon

• The delta carbon

• The gamma carbon

• The beta carbon

What is the role of the diene in the Diels-Alder reaction?

• It acts as a catalyst

• It forms a new six-membered ring with the dienophile

• It stabilizes the reaction intermediates

• It breaks down the substrate

What is a key feature of the product formed in the Diels-Alder reaction?

• It has a bridgehead carbon

• It forms a new double bond

• It loses a carbon atom

• It contains a new four-membered ring

What should be ensured when performing a Diels-Alder reaction?

• The reaction should form a new triple bond

• The number of carbon atoms should remain constant

• The reaction should lose carbon atoms

• The reaction should gain carbon atoms

What guided the location of enolization in the aldol condensation process?

• The presence of a strong acid

• The absence of alpha protons

• The need for a stable four-membered ring

• The potential to form a stable six-membered ring