Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Introduction
A key reaction of aromatic compounds is electrophilic aromatic substitution, where a C-H bond is broken and a new C-E bond (E being an electrophilic
Read moreFriedel-Crafts
EAS Reactions (3) – Friedel-Crafts Acylation and Friedel-Crafts Alkylation
Today’s post is on the Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions. Quick summary: This is the third in a series of three posts on the key
Read moreIntramolecular Friedel-Crafts Reactions
We explore the intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction in this post. But first, a very quick refresher on intramolecular reactions in general. Quick Recap: Intramolecular Reactions Can
Read moreThe Wolff-Kishner, Clemmensen, And Other Carbonyl Reductions
In this post we go through 4 ways of reducing C=O to CH2 including: The Wolff-Kishner reaction The Clemmensen reduction Catalytic hydrogenation Thioacetal formation and
Read moreAromatic Synthesis (1) – “Order Of Operations”
When planning a synthesis of simple aromatic compounds, it’s not enough to pick the right reactions. You also have to put them in the right
Read moreAromatic Synthesis (2) – Polarity Reversal
In planning the synthesis of simple aromatic compounds, it’s vital to know some tricks for changing ortho-, para- directors into meta- directors, and vice versa! Here we go
Read moreReaction Friday: Friedel Crafts Acylation
Today’s Reaction Friday is about the Friedel Crafts acylation of benzene and other aromatics, an important example of electrophilic aromatic substitution. One thing I forgot
Read moreThe Lies We Tell
Zed Shaw teaches a course in writing Python called “Python the Hard Way“. Because the hard way is easier, he says. In the end, he’s
Read moreReagent Friday: Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3)
In a blatant plug for the Reagent Guide, each Friday I profile a different reagent that is commonly encountered in Org 1/ Org 2. Note: there’s
Read moreCommon Blind Spot: Intramolecular Reactions
So I bought a belt today (pleather, 75 cents at the Goodwill). and decided to show it off. This is me putting it together. This
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