1. An Updated Simple S[subscript N]2 Reaction for the Undergraduate Organic Laboratory
- Author
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Kelli S. Khuong, Fabio Agnelli, and Matthew A. Parker
- Abstract
S[subscript N]2 reactions are of fundamental importance in introductory organic chemistry courses, and a number of experiments suitable for the first-semester undergraduate organic lab have been previously reported. Most of these experiments have used alkyl halides as electrophiles, but alkyl halides are often less than ideal for reasons of toxicity/volatility and difficulty in TLC visualization. We report an updated methodology utilizing an alkyl tosylate, rather than a halide, as the electrophile. The S[subscript N]2 reaction of 2-naphthol/sodium hydroxide with butyl p-toluenesulfonate is performed in a single 3 or 4 h lab period and affords a solid product in good yield. The tosylate electrophile gives students experience with a commonly encountered leaving group, is easily visualized on TLC, and has an improved safety profile.
- Published
- 2023
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