Let’s discuss two strategies for preparing nitriles via substitution and dehydration reactions. Synthesis of Nitriles via Substitution Reactions To prepare a nitrile via a substitution reaction, we do an SN2 substitution of alkyl halides, mesylates, or tosylates with … Read more
Alkynes and nitriles are structurally similar, so let’s discuss how we can replace one of the carbons in the alkyne with a nitrogen: When one of the carbons is replaced, the carbon chain will be shortened by one. … Read more
Remember when discussing the substitution reactions, we said that the hydroxide ion (–OH) is a poor leaving group since it is quite a strong base. Therefore, the –OH cannot be expelled by a direct nucleophilic attack in an SN2 or … Read more
Thionyl chloride (SOCl2) and phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) can be used for converting primary and secondary alcohols to alkyl chlorides and alkyl bromides respectively: Both reactions have similar mechanisms with the idea of turning the OH into a good … Read more
