📘 IB Understanding
Organic synthesis involves planning a sequence of reactions to convert a starting material into a desired product. Retrosynthesis works backwards from the target molecule to identify suitable starting materials and reagents.
Key Functional Group Interconversions
Key Reagents Summary
| Conversion | Reagents / Conditions |
|---|---|
| Alkene → Alcohol | Steam (H₂O), H₃PO₄ catalyst, 300 °C |
| Alkene → Haloalkane | HBr or HCl (electrophilic addition) |
| Haloalkane → Alcohol | Aqueous NaOH, reflux (SN2) |
| Haloalkane → Alkene | Ethanolic KOH, heat (elimination) |
| Primary alcohol → Aldehyde | K₂Cr₂O₇/H₂SO₄, distil |
| Aldehyde → Carboxylic acid | K₂Cr₂O₇/H₂SO₄, reflux |
| Alcohol + Acid → Ester | H⁺ catalyst, reflux |
| Aldehyde/Ketone → Alcohol | NaBH₄ (reduction) |
📋 Exam Tip
In synthesis questions, always state the reagents, conditions (temperature, catalyst, solvent), and type of reaction for each step. Practice working backwards from the target molecule (retrosynthesis) to find the most efficient route.