When CO2 is bubbled through a solution of benzyl magnesium bromide, and the mixture is then acidified, the product is phenylacetic acid. Any unreacted benzyl magnesium bromide is converted to toluene in the acidification step. 1. Write the complete reaction sequence for the process, showing product and byproduct. 2. How could you separate phenylacetic acid from toluene?
Reactions of Ethers
Ethers (R-O-R’) are compounds formed by replacing hydrogen atoms of an alcohol (R-OH compound) or a phenol (C6H5OH) by an aryl/ acyl group (functional group after removing single hydrogen from an aromatic ring). In this section, reaction, preparation and behavior of ethers are discussed in the context of organic chemistry.
Epoxides
Epoxides are a special class of cyclic ethers which are an important functional group in organic chemistry and generate reactive centers due to their unusual high reactivity. Due to their high reactivity, epoxides are considered to be toxic and mutagenic.
Williamson Ether Synthesis
An organic reaction in which an organohalide and a deprotonated alcohol forms ether is known as Williamson ether synthesis. Alexander Williamson developed the Williamson ether synthesis in 1850. The formation of ether in this synthesis is an SN2 reaction.
When CO2 is bubbled through a solution of benzyl magnesium bromide, and the mixture is then acidified, the product is phenylacetic acid. Any unreacted benzyl magnesium bromide is converted to toluene in the acidification step.
1. Write the complete reaction sequence for the process, showing product and byproduct.
2. How could you separate phenylacetic acid from toluene?
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