Third Trimester
Identify the Functional Group:
Recognize the carboxyl group (-COOH) in the given molecule.
Understand the Properties:
Recall key properties of carboxylic acids such as acidity, solubility, and boiling points.
Oxidation Reactions:
For synthesizing carboxylic acids from alcohols or aldehydes:
Use oxidizing agents like KMnO₄ or K₂Cr₂O₇.
Example: Primary alcohol → Aldehyde → Carboxylic acid.
Hydrolysis of Nitriles:
Convert nitriles to carboxylic acids:
Perform acid or base hydrolysis.
Example: R-CN + H₂O + H⁺/OH⁻ → R-COOH.
Grignard Reagents:
Use Grignard reagents to synthesize carboxylic acids:
React Grignard reagent (R-MgX) with carbon dioxide followed by acid workup.
Example: R-MgX + CO₂ → R-COOH.
Practice Problems:
Solve given synthesis problems step-by-step:
Identify starting materials and desired product.
Choose the appropriate reaction mechanism.
Follow the reaction conditions and reagents required.
Verify the Product:
Confirm the structure of the synthesized carboxylic acid.
Check for common errors or side reactions.