Chem 242 @ Dickinson

Getting Serious about C=O

Monday was a day to focus on the C=O bond. We started with where we left off on Friday: Using acid- or base-catalysis to make it easier to add water to a C=O and form a hydrate. We then took this up a step and changed the water to an alcohol -- same mechanism, same process, just with a carbon attached to the O when we are done, instead of an H. This works much better with acid catalysis and we mentioned how the equilibrium could be adjusted to go the way we want by adding or removing water. It was also mentioned that taking the reaction backwards (back to C=O) is something that you should be able to do.

I have posted Problem Set 5 and its key. Also, for those who are really working ahead, the Need to Know for Chapter 20 has been posted. See the links to the right.

Oh, and I was stunned that so few class members watched the season premiere of "The Amazing Race."

posted by DCChem @ 9:34 AM