Sunday, August 14, 2011

Quick synthesis question?

That's a tough test question. If you are using fairly dilute Cl2 in water, the first step will be electrophilic addition to form 2-chlorocyclohexanol, so you are right about that. But Cl2 in aqueous base is an oxidizer that is strong enough to oxidize the alcohol to a ketone. Under the right conditions (at least 2 equivalents of Cl2 and the right temp), you will indeed get 2-chlorocyclohexanone. You might have an argument with your organic prof if he/she didn't specify excess Cl2 in the reaction condtions.

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