Organic Chemistry Synthesis Challenge 2

The video tutorial guides viewers through a synthesis challenge starting from toluene. It involves identifying toluene fragments, using electrophilic aromatic substitution for bromination, forming carbon-carbon bonds with Grignard reactions, and applying Friedel-Crafts acylation. The synthesis is completed with Bayer Villiger oxidation, showcasing different routes and strategies to achieve the target molecule.

What is the primary constraint in the synthesis challenge discussed in the video?

• No oxygen atoms can be introduced.

• All carbons must come from toluene.

• Only one carbon can come from a source other than toluene.

• The synthesis must be completed in three steps.

Which functional group is suggested to be introduced first in the synthesis process?

• A hydroxyl group

• An alkyl group

• A nitro group

• A halogen

What reagent is used to form a Grignard reagent from the brominated toluene?

• Sodium in ethanol

• Magnesium in diethyl ether

• Lithium in hexane

• Zinc in acetic acid

Which molecule is reacted with the Grignard reagent to introduce an additional carbon?

• Methanol

• Acetone

• Formaldehyde

• Carbon dioxide

What type of reaction is used to introduce the second toluene fragment?

• Friedel-Crafts alkylation

• Friedel-Crafts acylation

• Nitration

• Sulfonation

Which oxidation reaction is used to insert an oxygen atom into the carbon-carbon bond?

• Jones oxidation

• Swern oxidation

• Ozonolysis

• Baeyer-Villiger oxidation

What is a potential alternative method mentioned for achieving the target molecule?

• Using a different halogen

• Performing a Fischer esterification

• Conducting a Diels-Alder reaction

• Applying a Wittig reaction