Skip to main content
Ch. 23 - Benzene I: Aromatic Stability and Substitution Reactions
Mullins - Organic Chemistry: A Learner Centered Approach 1st Edition
Mullins1st EditionOrganic Chemistry: A Learner Centered ApproachISBN: 9780137566471Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 22, Problem 60a

Suggest two coupling partners that could be used to synthesize the compounds shown making the indicated C―C bonds.
(a)

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the C―C bond that needs to be formed in the target molecule. This will help in determining the two fragments or coupling partners required for the synthesis.
Consider the use of a common coupling reaction, such as the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, which involves the reaction between an organoboron compound and an organohalide in the presence of a palladium catalyst.
Determine the retrosynthetic disconnection at the C―C bond. This involves breaking the target molecule into two simpler fragments that can be used as starting materials.
Select the appropriate organoboron compound and organohalide that, when coupled, will form the desired C―C bond. For example, if the target bond is between a phenyl group and an alkyl chain, you might choose a phenylboronic acid and an alkyl halide.
Ensure that the chosen coupling partners are compatible with the reaction conditions and that they will not interfere with other functional groups present in the molecule.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cross-Coupling Reactions

Cross-coupling reactions are a class of reactions in organic chemistry where two different organic groups are joined together through the formation of a carbon-carbon bond. Common examples include the Suzuki, Heck, and Stille reactions, which utilize metal catalysts to facilitate the coupling of organometallic reagents with electrophiles. Understanding these reactions is crucial for identifying suitable coupling partners in synthetic pathways.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:22
Cross-Coupling Reaction Mechanisms

Organometallic Reagents

Organometallic reagents are compounds that contain a carbon-metal bond, where the carbon is typically bonded to a metal such as lithium, magnesium, or palladium. These reagents are essential in cross-coupling reactions as they provide the nucleophilic carbon species that can react with electrophiles to form new C―C bonds. Familiarity with the properties and reactivity of various organometallics is vital for selecting appropriate coupling partners.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:50
Ruining Organometallics

Electrophiles in Organic Synthesis

Electrophiles are electron-deficient species that can accept electron pairs from nucleophiles during chemical reactions. In the context of cross-coupling, electrophiles often include halides or other leaving groups that can react with organometallic reagents. Recognizing the nature of potential electrophiles is essential for determining effective coupling partners and predicting the outcome of synthetic reactions.
Recommended video:
1:16
Synthesis of Amino Acids: Strecker Synthesis Example 1