Chapter 14, Problem 49PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reagents for the given transformations to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

Ring-opening of epoxide: The epoxide ring is highly strain and readily undergoes reaction with strong nucleophile. Thus the nucleophile attack at the less substituted position (due to steric effect) leads to the ring-opening.

Acid-catalyzed ring-opening of epoxide: The epoxide ring is protonated and the nucleophile attack depends on the electronic or steric effect (nature of epoxide).

Regiochemistry: when the epoxide is unsymmetrical, the nucleophile attack at the more substituted position of the protonated epoxide ring.

Stereochemistry: when the nucleophile attack takes place at chiral center, an inversion of configuration is obtained.