Write the mechanism for each of the following reactions:
a. the reaction of acetyl chloride with water to form acetic acid

Grignard reagents add to carbonate esters as they add to other esters.

(c) Diethyl carbonate is a liquid reagent that is easy to handle. Also show how you might use diethyl carbonate instead of methyl isocyanate to make Sevin® insecticide.

Suggest the most appropriate reagent for each synthesis, and explain your choice.

(d)

Predict the products of the following reactions.

(d) anisole + succinic anhydride and aluminum chloride

Show how you would accomplish the following multistep syntheses. You may use any additional reagents and solvents you need.

(e)

Write the mechanism for the reaction of an amino acid with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate.

How would you make the following compounds from N-benzylbenzamide?

c. benzyl alcohol

The reaction of a nitrile with an alcohol in the presence of a strong acid forms an N-substituted amide. This reaction, known as the Ritter reaction, does not work with primary alcohols.

a. Propose a mechanism for the Ritter reaction.

The reaction of a nitrile with an alcohol in the presence of a strong acid forms an N-substituted amide. This reaction, known as the Ritter reaction, does not work with primary alcohols.

b. Why does the Ritter reaction not work with primary alcohols?