A Simple Organic Microscale Experiment Illustrating the Equilibrium Aspect of the Aldol Condensation
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[1] Penn State York Campus, Department of Chemistry
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- Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 75, Nº 5 (May), 1998, págs. 636-637
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
A simple microscale experiment has been developed that illustrates the equilibrium aspect of the aldol condensation by using two versions of the standard preparation of tetraphenylcyclopentadienone (5) from benzil (1) and 1,3-diphenyl-2-propanone (2). In version (high base concentration) a mixture of 5 and the diastereomeric 4-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-2-cyclopenten-1-ones 3 and 4 are produced, while in the other (low base concentration) a mixture of 1, 2, 3, and 4 results. The experiment is typically carried out in conjunction with the previously reported preparation/dehydration of 3, thus the students provide themselves with authentic samples of 3 and 5. Using these, plus authentic samples of 1 and 2 which are made available, students are able to identify all of the components in the equilibrium mixtures, except 4, by TLC analysis. In the case of 4, students are expected to propose a reasonable structure for this compound based on the observed chemistry and the spectroscopic evidence which is provided (i.e., NMR, IR and mass spectra). The experiment lends itself nicely to either the traditional or problem-solving approach, and it also opens up opportunities for collaborative learning.
