Part 6: SYNTHESIS

Answers to the synthesis problems are given below.  These answers have been selected as they are short and efficient, but there are probably other reasonable solutions.  Note some targets have specific stereochemistry that needs to be considered.

When planning syntheses, one should try to work backwards by functional group analysis. The diagrams show the "retrosynthesis" - the design or plan and then below that the reaction scheme step-by-step (as required in the question). Red arrows try to show carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, blue arrows are functional group manipulations. The blue text rationalise the retrosynthetic analysis and information about important reactions are given in green.

Common errors: incorrect selectivity (regio or stereo) for common reactions (e.g. Markovnikov or anti-Markovnikov OR syn or anti). Miscounting C atoms. Using starting materials that were not hydrocarbons as the question specifically stated. Suggesting reactions of alkanes other than radical halogenation, for example, you can't make alcohols directly from alkanes.


A1

trans-hept-3-ene


A2

3-bromohexane


B1

bridged dibromide


B2

trans-2-methylcyclhexanol


C1

ester


C2

1,5-dicarboxylic acid