BRAINCAKESynthetic Routes
A synthetic route is a sequence of reactions that converts a starting material into a target. To plan one you need a mental map of how the functional groups you have met can be converted into each other, with the reagents and conditions for each step.
Key conversions (Edexcel conditions):
Alkene → halogenoalkane: hydrogen halide, e.g. HBr, at room temperature.
Halogenoalkane → alcohol: aqueous NaOH or KOH, heat under reflux (substitution).
Halogenoalkane → alkene: KOH in ethanol, heat under reflux (elimination).
Halogenoalkane → nitrile: KCN in ethanol, heat under reflux (adds one carbon).
Halogenoalkane → amine: excess ethanolic ammonia, heat in a sealed tube.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
More in Organic Synthesis
- Preparing Grignard Reagents
- Grignard Reagents and Carbon Dioxide
- Grignard Reagents and Carbonyl Compounds
- Organic Synthesis
- Practical Techniques - Heating under Reflux
- Recrystallisation
- Melting and Boiling Point Determination
- Hazards and Risks in Organic Synthesis
All 11 lessons in Organic Synthesis · All Edexcel A-level Chemistry topics