Norbornane is a bicyclic compound (bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane) with a rigid, saturated framework. Norbornene is its corresponding alkene, containing a double bond that makes it reactive toward typical electrophilic addition reactions. Norbornanone is a ketone derivative, where the carbonyl group undergoes nucleophilic … Read more
In the previous post, we discussed different methods for converting alcohols to alkyl halides, including their reaction with hydrohalic acids, the use of mesylates and tosylates, as well as reagents such as thionyl chloride (SOCl2) and phosphorus tribromide (PBr3). … Read more
We have seen a number of important transformations of nitriles, including their conversion to aldehydes and ketones. In today’s post, let’s discuss the reverse transformation, that is, how to convert an aldehyde into a nitrile. Unlike some functional … Read more
We have seen some important transformations of carboxylic acid derivatives, including the hydrolysis of nitriles to carboxylic acids under acidic or basic conditions. So, one question you may encounter on homework assignments is the reverse conversion, that is, going from … Read more
Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is a widely used antiviral drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza. It belongs to a class of compounds known as neuraminidase inhibitors, which block the viral enzyme responsible for the release … Read more
Primidone is an anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) medication used primarily to treat seizure disorders, including generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures. Chemically, it is a barbiturate-related compound (a deoxybarbiturate), meaning it is structurally similar to barbiturates but has a slightly different pharmacological profile. … Read more
Let’s look at this conversion through the eyes of a student new to organic chemistry: amides are almost like amines, except they contain a carbonyl (C=O) group attached to the nitrogen.So, how can we add a carbonyl to the nitrogen? … Read more
Acid chlorides can be reduced to aldehydes by lithium tri(t-butoxy) aluminum hydride (LiAl(OtBu)₃H): So, why not use NaBH₄ or LiAlH₄ for reducing acid chlorides to aldehydes? Remember that acid chlorides are the most reactive derivatives of carboxylic acids, … Read more
There are a few ways to convert nitriles to esters. Let’s start with the Pinner reaction, which, although not commonly highlighted in textbooks, is a direct and efficient method for this transformation. Pinner Reaction for Converting Nitriles to Esters … Read more
In this article, we will summarize and compare the reactions of Grignard (RMgX), Gilman (R2CuLi), and organolithium (RLi) reagents. Let’s first see what unites and makes their properties similar or at least creates a pattern for us to predict the … Read more
