Practice Problem: Vicinal Dihalide Synthesis

The video tutorial covers the process of converting an alkyne to vicinal dihalides with different stereochemistry. It explains the use of dehalogenation and retrosynthetic analysis to achieve the desired products. The tutorial discusses the reagents and pathways for forming E and Z alkenes, emphasizing the importance of stereochemistry and molecular rotation. Key reactions include the use of sodium and ammonia for E alkene formation and Lindlar's catalyst for Z alkene formation. The tutorial concludes by summarizing the steps to achieve the desired stereochemistry in dihalide products.

What is the starting material for the practice problem involving vicinal dihalides?

• An alkene

• An alkyne

• A ketone

• A dihalide

Which reaction is primarily used to form vicinal dihalides?

• Hydrogenation

• Dehalogenation

• Hydrolysis

• Oxidation

What is the role of sodium and ammonia in the conversion process?

• To convert alkenes to alkynes

• To convert alkynes to E alkenes

• To convert alkenes to alcohols

• To convert alkynes to Z alkenes

Which catalyst is used to achieve Z alkenes from alkynes?

• Lindlar's catalyst

• Palladium on carbon

• Sodium borohydride

• Raney nickel

What is the stereochemical outcome when using Lindlar's catalyst?

• Formation of E alkenes

• Formation of Z alkenes

• Formation of cis alkenes

• Formation of trans alkenes

What is the significance of stereochemistry in the formation of vicinal dihalides?

• It changes the molecular weight

• It influences the spatial arrangement of atoms

• It affects the boiling point

• It determines the color of the compound

Which of the following is NOT a reagent used in the discussed transformations?

• Lithium

• Sodium

• Ammonia

• Hydrochloric acid