Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Thionyl Chloride (SOCl₂) Reactivity
Thionyl chloride is a reagent commonly used in organic chemistry for converting alcohols into alkyl chlorides. The reaction proceeds through the formation of an intermediate that facilitates the substitution of the hydroxyl group with a chlorine atom. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for predicting the products of reactions involving SOCl₂.
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Triethylamine (NEt₃) as a Base
Triethylamine is a non-nucleophilic base often used in organic reactions to deprotonate acids or to neutralize generated acids. In the context of reactions with SOCl₂, NEt₃ helps to promote the formation of the desired alkyl chloride by removing protons and stabilizing the reaction environment. Recognizing its role is essential for understanding the overall reaction mechanism.
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TsCl and Nucleophilic Substitution
TsCl, or tosyl chloride, is used to convert alcohols into better leaving groups, facilitating nucleophilic substitution reactions. When combined with a base like Et₃N, it forms a tosylate intermediate, which can then react with nucleophiles such as NaCN. This concept is vital for predicting the products of the sequential reactions outlined in the question.
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