Chem 242 @ Dickinson

Epoxides, epoxides, epoxides

Today was the last day for Chapter 18 and we talked about epoxides. Two main topics were covered: how to make them and how to open them. The syntheses were short (mcpba or halide+ water followed by base) but the reactions were a bit more complicated. Essentially it boils down to this -- if using acid to open up an epoxide, the nucleophile will attack a tertiary carbon. Otherwise, the nucleophile will attack the less hindered site. It is also important to consider the stereochemical (nucleophile on opposite side as O atom) consequences of the reactions.

Don't forget tomorrow's seminar at noon in Room 108. Sandwiches/beverages provided.

posted by DCChem @ 10:48 AM