Elimination Reactions

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Introduction Elimination reactions are one of many different types of reactions, yet elimination reactions are one of the most common practices to create carbon-carbon π-bonds. Dehydrohalogenation is an example of functional group transformation. In the case of alkyl halides they are transformed into alkenes through dehydrohalogenation (1). The general mechanism for dehydrohalogenation elimination reactions when a strong base is used can be written as:
RCHCH_2-X+B:^- → RCH=CH_2+B-H+X:^-

[INSERT DRAWING HERE] Bromine is a hazardous chemical that can cause major chemical burns (liquid and gaseous). Gloves and proper laboratory gear should be worn at all times when handling solutions containing bromine. If the bromine does get onto …show more content…

The products obtained from the bromination of alkenes using cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene are dl-stilbene and meso-stilbene. Meso-stilbene and dl-stilbene are diastereomers, thus they have different properties. Because the compounds meso-stilbene and dl-stilbene are diastereomers it makes identifying the major product in the bromination reaction very easy (1). The meso compound is formed after the reaction with the Br2/CH2Cl2 (CH2Cl2 = dichloromethane) occurs. It is called meso because of the placement of the bonds and the stereogenic centers. The major product of the reaction is the meso-stilbene compound. Norbornene is a volatile and smelly substance it should be handled quickly with care and not be removed from the hoods. Sulfuric acid can cause burns if it comes in contact with skin. If contact with skin does occur wash the area with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution. The basic solution if in contact with skin rinse the area with 1% acetic acid solution (1). Acid catalyzed hydration of alkenes produces and alcohol by the addition of water through carbon-carbon π-bonds. In other terms this reaction is the reverse of acid catalyzed dehydration which removes an alcohol. The mechanism for acid catalyzed hydration of alkenes is demonstrated …show more content…

Hydration of norbornene:

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The intermediate is:
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Equilibrium in the reaction can be shifted towards the formation of the addition product by using sulfuric acid to drive the reaction.
Conclusion
Advantages of alkene preparation through dehydrohalogenation of alkyl halides under basic conditions are that the reaction will not produce the products formed thermodynamically, only the kinetic products will be collected. Based on the results produced in the laboratory experiment the functional groups in the substrate can be changed by the strength and the amounts of the solvents used. The efficiency of the reactions are as expected. Side reactions that have the possibility of occurring are due to changes in thermodynamics, kinematics, or in the strengths and amounts of the solvents used.
References
Gilbert, C. John; Martin, F. Stephen. 2011. Experimental Organic Chemistry: A Miniscale and Microscale Approach. 5th Edition. Cengage Learning. pp.

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