Organic Chemistry Mechanism Challenge 1

The video tutorial explores a chemical reaction involving photochemistry and cycloaddition, leading to the formation of a transient four-membered ring. The reaction is initiated by light, causing π bonds to convert into Sigma bonds. The tutorial discusses the instability due to ring strain and the subsequent rearrangement to form a more stable eight-membered ring. The process involves sodium hydroxide, leading to the formation of an enolate, which eventually reforms the carbonyl group. The video concludes with a mechanism challenge, summarizing the key steps and transformations in the reaction.

What is the initial transformation observed in the reaction?

• A 5-membered ring to a 6-membered ring

• A 6-membered ring to an 8-membered and a 5-membered ring

• A 6-membered ring to a 7-membered ring

• A 7-membered ring to a 9-membered ring

What role does light play in the reaction?

• It stabilizes the final product

• It initiates a radical mechanism

• It acts as a catalyst for the reaction

• It promotes a photochemical cycloaddition

What is formed as a result of the cycloaddition reaction?

• A 5-membered ring

• A 6-membered ring

• A 4-membered ring

• An 8-membered ring

What is the purpose of sodium hydroxide in the reaction?

• To promote the formation of an enolate

• To initiate a radical mechanism

• To act as a catalyst

• To stabilize the 4-membered ring

What is the final product of the reaction?

• A 6-membered ring

• A 7-membered ring

• A 9-membered ring

• An 8-membered ring