Experiments

Objective The synthesis of isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose, is approached to familiarize the student with some of the most common functional group protection reactions in carbohydrate chemistry. That is, the protection of hydroxyl groups. 3D Structure Background Carbohydrates are compounds characterized by having several hydroxyl groups that give characteristic reactions of alcohols. The key step for the synthesis … Read more

Objective The purpose of this practice is to obtain an asymmetric ether of industrial interest from naphthalen-2-ol (β-naphthol) using the Williamson synthesis. Background Ethers can be obtained from alcohols by nucleophilic substitution reactions (SN2). The Williamson synthesis is a process that allows the preparation of a wide range of ethers, both symmetrical and asymmetrical, as … Read more

Objective The purpose of this experiment is to study the oxidative cleavage of a double bond. Background Potassium permanganate, KMnO4, is an oxidant commonly used in organic chemistry. In this practical, it will be used to produce the oxidative cleavage of a double bond to obtain two carboxylic groups at the ends of the bond. … Read more

Objective The purpose of this practice is to obtain a simple nitrogenous heterocycle, in this case a triazole (five-membered ring with three nitrogens) fused to a six-membered aromatic ring, benzotriazole. Background Benzotriazole is a heterocyclic compound that is used as a starting product in the manufacture of some pharmaceuticals, in photography as a component of … Read more

Objective The purpose of this experiment is the performance of an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction (SEAr), such as the nitration of methyl benzoate. Background An example of an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction (SEAr) is the nitration of an aromatic ring, using the nitronium ion, ⊕NO2, as an electrophile. The methoxycarbonyl group of methyl benzoate deactivates … Read more

Objective Isolation of caffeine from soluble coffee (from a commercial product), by extraction with an organic solvent and separation by centrifugation of the aqueous phase and the organic phase obtained. Background Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid (xanthine family) found in a wide variety of plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and kola … Read more

Objective The purpose of this experiment is to obtain an alcohol and carboxylic acid in one step using the Cannizzaro reaction on benzaldehyde (autooxidation-reduction reaction or dismutation of an aromatic aldehyde). Background Addition of dilute bases to aldehydes or ketones leads to the formation of β-hydroxy aldehydes or β-hydroxyketones by aldol condensation. When the aldehyde or … Read more

Objective To know techniques of magnetic agitation and separation of two immiscible liquids by decantation for the preparation of biodiesel from vegetable oils. Background Biofuels are an alternative to fossil fuels as an energy source. In theory, vegetable oils could be used as fuel, but due to their high viscosity, they cannot be used directly. It … Read more

Objective Learn how different organic compounds can be isolated according to their acid-base properties, which change their solubility in organic and aqueous solvents, by liquid-liquid extraction.   3D structure 3D structure 3D structure 3D structure Background Liquid-liquid extraction is one of the most common basic operations in the organic chemistry laboratory, since many reactions involve … Read more

Objective To learn how different organic compounds can be isolated according to their acid-base properties, which change their solubility in organic and aqueous solvents, using the liquid-liquid extraction technique. Background Liquid-liquid extraction is one of the most common basic operations in the organic chemistry laboratory, since many reactions involve the use of this technique for … Read more