Chapter 3, Problem 45EQ

The aerobic oxidation of para-xylene to terephthalic acid is an important process in industrial chemistry. Discuss why the oxidation of the second methyl group requires harsher conditions than the oxidation of the first methyl group. You should accurately reference all your bibliographic material.

Draw resonance forms to show how the BHA radical is stabilized by delocalization of the radical electron over other atoms in the molecule.

Write structural formulas for toluene (C6H5CH3) and for benzoic acid (C6H5CO2H) (a) as resonance hybrids of two Kekulé forms and (b) with the Robinson symbol.

Calculate the index of hydrogen deficiency of cyclohexene, C6H10, and account for this deficiency by reference to its structural formula.

I am studying homolytic and heterolytic cleavage. In the halogenation of methane, a methyl radical is formed as an intermediate which indicates homolytic cleavage.    Why is the cleavage homolytic and not heterolytic? What is the main determinate of when heterolytic or homolytic cleavage occurs? How big does the electronegativty difference need to be?

Provide the reaction mechanisms and reagents used to carry out the synthesis of this molecule.

What is the Van den Bergh reaction

Acrolein and 1,3-cyclohexadiene react in a one-step concerted manner to yield a single product.   Give the structure of the product.   What kind of reaction is this an example of?   In terms of this reaction, how would you classify acrolein?   How would you classify 1,3-cyclohexadiene?    Hint: acrolein is not a systematic name so you may need to look up its structure if you are not already familiar with it.

Write the propagation steps leading to the formation of dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) from chloromethane