6.8.2

Examples of Synthetic Routes (A2 Only)

Test yourself

Methyl Benzene → Aromatic Ester

How can we produce an aromatic ester from a methyl benzene?

Illustrative background for Overall reactionIllustrative background for Overall reaction ?? "content

Overall reaction

  • We must consider the overall reaction as shown above.
    • An ester group must be added to the side chain of the benzene molecule.
Illustrative background for First stepIllustrative background for First step ?? "content

First step

  • First, we substitute a hydrogen for a chlorine atom.
    • This introduces a C-Cl bond.
  • The conditions are:
    • Cl2
    • UV light.
Illustrative background for Second stepIllustrative background for Second step ?? "content

Second step

  • Next we substitute the Cl atom for an OH group.
    • The reaction is carried out under reflux.
    • This is a substitution reaction.
  • The product is an alcohol.
Illustrative background for Third stepIllustrative background for Third step ?? "content

Third step

  • Lastly, we react the alcohol group with a carboxylic acid to form an ester group.
  • The conditions are:
    • H+ catalyst.
    • Under reflux.

Benzene → Aromatic Amide

How can we obtain the aromatic amide starting from a benzene molecule?

Illustrative background for Overall reactionIllustrative background for Overall reaction ?? "content

Overall reaction

  • First, we consider the overall reaction as shown above.
Illustrative background for First stepIllustrative background for First step ?? "content

First step

  • In the first step, we nitrate the benzene ring.
  • This introduces a -NO2 group, as shown above.
  • The conditions for this are:
    • HNO3.
    • H2SO4 catalyst.
    • 50oC.
Illustrative background for Second stepIllustrative background for Second step ?? "content

Second step

  • Next we reduce the nitrated benzene using:
    • Tin.
    • HCl.
  • This forms the protonated product shown above.
Illustrative background for Third stepIllustrative background for Third step ?? "content

Third step

  • To neutralise the protonated amine, we must add base.
    • We obtain the aminobenzene, as shown.
Illustrative background for Fourth stepIllustrative background for Fourth step ?? "content

Fourth step

  • Lastly, we carry out the condensation reaction to create the amide bond using an acyl chloride.
  • The conditions for this are:
    • Use acid catalyst.
    • Under reflux.

Ethene → Propylamine

How can we form a propylamine molecule from ethene?

Illustrative background for Overall reactionIllustrative background for Overall reaction ?? "content

Overall reaction

  • We consider the overall reaction, shown above.
Illustrative background for First stepIllustrative background for First step ?? "content

First step

  • The alkene undergoes an addition reaction to gain a Cl and an H atom across the double bond.
    • Requires an HCl reagent.
Illustrative background for Second stepIllustrative background for Second step ?? "content

Second step

  • Next, we substitute the Cl atom for a CN group.
  • The conditions are:
    • Ethanol/water.
    • Under reflux.
Illustrative background for Third stepIllustrative background for Third step ?? "content

Third step

  • Lastly, we reduce the cyanide group to form an amine group.
  • This requires a reducing agent.
    • We use LiAlH4

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

2Physical Chemistry 2 (A2 Only)

3Inorganic Chemistry

4Inorganic Chemistry 2 (A2 Only)

5Organic Chemistry 1

6Organic Chemistry 2 (A2 Only)

6.1Optical Isomerism (A2 Only)

6.2Aldehydes & Ketones (A2 Only)

6.3Carboxylic Acids & Esters (A2 Only)

6.4Aromatic Chemistry (A2 Only)

6.5Amines (A2 Only)

6.6Polymers (A2 Only)

6.7Biological Organic (A2 Only)

6.8Organic Synthesis (A2 Only)

6.9NMR Spectroscopy (A2 Only)

6.10Chromatography (A2 Only)

6.11A-A* (AO3/4) - Organic 2

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson