Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS

Naming Nitriles

Organic Chemistry

22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS

Naming Nitriles

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3:10 minutes

Problem 2a

Textbook Question

Give an example for each of the following:
a. a β-keto nitrile

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the term 'β-keto nitrile'. A β-keto nitrile is a compound that contains both a ketone functional group (C=O) and a nitrile functional group (-C≡N), where the nitrile group is located at the β-position relative to the ketone. This means there is one carbon atom between the ketone and the nitrile group.

Step 2: Identify the general structure of a β-keto nitrile. The structure can be represented as R-CO-CH₂-C≡N, where R is an alkyl or aryl group attached to the ketone.

Step 3: Choose a specific example of a β-keto nitrile. For instance, you can use ethyl as the R group to form ethyl β-keto nitrile. Its structure would be CH₃-CO-CH₂-C≡N.

Step 4: Verify the structure to ensure it meets the criteria. Confirm that the ketone group (C=O) and the nitrile group (-C≡N) are separated by exactly one carbon atom.

Step 5: Note that β-keto nitriles are important intermediates in organic synthesis, often used in reactions such as the Michael addition or in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

b-keto nitrile

A b-keto nitrile is a compound that contains both a ketone functional group and a nitrile group. The 'b' indicates that the nitrile group is located on the beta carbon relative to the carbonyl carbon of the ketone. This structure is significant in organic synthesis, as it can participate in various reactions, including nucleophilic additions and cyclization processes.

functional groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of b-keto nitriles, the ketone (C=O) and nitrile (C≡N) groups dictate the reactivity and properties of the compound. Understanding functional groups is essential for predicting how a compound will behave in chemical reactions.

nucleophilic addition reactions

Nucleophilic addition reactions occur when a nucleophile attacks an electrophilic carbon atom, leading to the formation of new bonds. In b-keto nitriles, the carbonyl carbon is electrophilic, making it susceptible to attack by nucleophiles. This type of reaction is crucial in organic chemistry for constructing complex molecules and modifying existing ones.

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