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
We have seen in the previous post that crossed aldol reactions allow us to prepare β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds by reacting an enolate (formed from one carbonyl compound) with another aldehyde or ketone, followed by protonation. A nice variation/type … Read more
In Knoevenagel condensation, we take a molecule where a methylene (CH2) is connected to (preferably) two electron-withdrawing groups, so we can deprotonate it and react with an aldehyde or a ketone. This allows the formation of a carbon-carbon double bond … Read more
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) widely used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and related conditions. Structurally, it is a substituted tetralin derivative, featuring a fused bicyclic aromatic system, a dichlorinated phenyl ring, and a secondary … Read more
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication widely used to prevent and treat blood clots, including conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Chemically, it is a coumarin derivative, featuring a 4-hydroxycoumarin core linked to a substituted side chain. Its … 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
Pethidine, also known as meperidine and marketed under the name Demerol, is a fully synthetic opioid of the phenylpiperidine class. Unlike morphine-based analgesics, its structure arises entirely from laboratory synthesis, making it a classic example of how multiple fundamental organic … Read more
In this chapter on alpha carbon chemistry, you are going to come across the term “enol” almost in any new reaction. So, what is an enol? As the name suggests, these are species that contain an alkene (ene) and an … Read more
Decarboxylation is the loss of carbon dioxide upon heating, typically characteristic of carboxylic acids with a β-carbonyl group. These are most often beta-keto acids, malonic acid, or its derivatives: Carboxylic acids by themselves are very stable and do … Read more
Just like the aldol reaction, intramolecular Claisen reactions occur when five- or six-membered rings can be formed. These are called the Dieckmann condensation where one ester, of the same molecule, serves as an electrophile and the other is deprotonated and … Read more
