Welcome to the Named Reactions category, where we explore the significant transformations in organic chemistry that bear the names of renowned chemists. Dive into the rich history and fundamental mechanisms behind reactions such as the Grignard reaction, Diels-Alder reaction, and Heck reaction, among others. Uncover the applications, limitations, and synthetic utility of these named reactions in organic synthesis. Discover how these reactions have shaped the field of organic chemistry and continue to inspire innovation. Embark on a journey through the world of named reactions and unlock the secrets of their chemical transformations.
What is Kolbe electrolytic synthesis? The Kolbe electrolytic synthesis is a process that involves the creation of symmetrical dimers through the electrolysis of carboxylates, commonly referred to as decarboxylative dimerization. If two distinct carboxylates are coupled, unsymmetrical products will result. The Crum Brown-Walker reaction is a process related to the Kolbe electrolytic synthesis that involves … Read more
What is Hunsdiecker reaction? The Hunsdiecker reaction, also known as the Borodine reaction, Hunsdiecker decarboxylation, Hunsdiecker bromodecarboxylation, Hunsdiecker degradation, or Hunsdiecker-Borodine reaction, is a process for generating organic halides through the thermal decarboxylation of silver salts derived from the corresponding carboxylic acids in the presence of halogens. Although Borodine first reported this reaction in 1861 … Read more
What is allylic rearrangement? An allylic rearrangement refers to the movement of a C=C double bond in a three-carbon (allylic) system when exposed to nucleophiles under SN1 conditions. Alternatively, this rearrangement can also occur under SN2 conditions when nucleophilic attack takes place at the γ-carbon. References Claisen, L. (1912), Über Umlagerung von Phenol-allyläthern in C-Allyl-phenole. … Read more
What is Reed reaction? The Reed reaction is a photochemical process that involves the sulfonation of paraffins and cycloparaffins by combining sulfur dioxide, SO2, and chlorine, Cl2, while under irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light. References C.F. Reed, “Method of halogenating compounds and product resulting therefrom” U.S. Patent US 2046090 (1933) C.F. Reed, “Detergent and method of … Read more
What is Pschorr reaction? Pschorr reaction is the synthesis of phenanthrene derivatives from diazotized α-aryl-o-aminocinnamic acids by intramolecular arylation. References Pschorr, R. (1896), Neue Synthese des Phenanthrens und seiner Derivate. [New synthesis of phenanthrene and its derivatives] Ber. Dtsch. Chem. Ges., 29: 496-501. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.18960290198
What is Meerwein arylation? The Meerwein arylation refers to the production of arylated olefins resulting from the treatment of olefins with diazonium salts while in the presence of cupric salts. Z = C=C, C=O, Ar, CN, H References Meerwein, H., Büchner, E. and van Emster, K. (1939), Über die Einwirkung aromatischer Diazoverbindungen auf α,β-ungesättigte Carbonylverbindungen. … Read more
What is Gomberg-Bachmann reaction? The Gomberg-Bachmann reaction involves the formation of diaryl compounds from aryl diazonium salts and aromatic compounds, and the reaction is dependent on the presence of alkali. References M. Gomberg, W.E. Bachmann, “The Synthesis of Biaryl Compounds by Means of the Diazo Reaction” Journal of the American Chemical Society 46, 2339 (1924)
What is Heck reaction? The Heck reaction refers to a stereospecific palladium-catalyzed coupling process that involves the reaction of alkenes with organic halides or triflates lacking sp3-hybridized β-hydrogens. R4 = aryl, alkenyl, benzyl X = I, Br, OSO2CF3 L = PAr3, DPP, BINAP (see acronyms) base = NEt3, K2CO3, NaOCOCH3 References R.F. Heck, J.P. Nolley, … Read more
What is Simonini reaction? The Simonini reaction is a method for preparing aliphatic esters that involves the reaction of the silver salt of a carboxylic acid with iodine, I2. References Simonini, A. Über den Abbau der fetten Säuren zu kohlenstoffärmeren Alkoholen. [On the degradation of fatty acids to lower-carbon alcohols.] Monatshefte für Chemie 13, 320–325 … Read more
What is Rosenmund reaction? The Rosenmund reaction is a chemical reaction that involves copper-catalyzed arsonylation through the substitution of aromatic halides to yields phenylarsonic acids derivatives. References Rosenmund, K.W. (1921), Das am Ring-Kohlenstoff gebundene Halogen und sein Ersatz durch andere Substituenten, III. Mitteilung: Die Darstellung von Arsin- und Sulfonsäuren. [The halogen bonded to the ring … Read more
