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 Wolffenstein-Böters reaction? The Wolffenstein-Böters reaction involves the simultaneous oxidation and nitration of aromatic compounds to nitrophenols using nitric acid, HNO3, or higher oxides of nitrogen in the presence of a mercury salt catalyst, Hg(NO3)2. References O. Böters, R. Wolffenstein, DE 194883 (1906) O. Böters, R. Wolffenstein, “Process for the manufacture of nitro suits” FR … Read more
What is Zincke nitration? The Zincke nitration is a chemical reaction that involves replacing ortho– or para-bromine or iodine atoms in phenols with a nitro group upon treatment with nitrous acid, HNO2, or a nitrite in acetic acid. It is worth noting that this reaction cannot be used with fluorine or chlorine atoms, as shown … Read more
What is Reverdin rearrangement? The Reverdin rearrangement is a chemical reaction that involves the migration of iodine atoms during the nitration, with nitric acid HNO3, of iodophenolic ethers. References Reverdin, F. (1896), Ueber einige Jodderivate des Anisols und über einen Wanderungsfall des Jod-Atoms. [On some iodine derivatives of anisole and on a migration case of … Read more
What is Sandmeyer reaction? The Sandmeyer reaction, or Sandmeyer transformation, is a chemical process that involves the substitution of diazonium groups in aromatic compounds with either halo or cyano groups in the presence of cuprous salts. Sandmeyer discovered this reaction in 1884 while attempting to produce phenylacetylene from benzenediazonium chloride and cuprous acetylide. The reaction … Read more
What is Scholl reaction? The Scholl reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the coupling of aromatic molecules through treatment with Lewis acid catalysts. References Scholl, R. and Seer, C. (1912), Abspaltung aromatisch gebundenen Wasserstoffs und Verknüpfung aromatischer Kerne durch Aluminiumchlorid. [Elimination of aromatically bound hydrogen and linkage of aromatic nuclei by aluminum chloride.] Justus … Read more
What is Jacobsen rearrangement? The Jacobsen rearrangement is a chemical reaction that involves the treatment of polymethylbenzenes with concentrated sulfuric acid, H2SO4. This reaction results in the formation of rearranged polymethylbenzenesulfonic acids. However, it is important to note that under the same conditions, halogenated polymethylbenzenes will undergo disproportionation instead. References Jacobsen, O. (1886), Ueber die … Read more
What is Quelet reaction? The Quelet reaction involves passing dry hydrochloric acid through a solution of a phenolic ether and an aliphatic aldehyde in ligroin, with or without a dehydration catalyst. This results in the formation of α-chloroalkyl derivatives through substitution in the para position to the ether group or in the ortho position of … Read more
What is Reimer-Tiemann reaction? Reimer-Tiemann reaction is called to the formation of phenolic aldehydes from phenols, chloroform, CHCl3, and alkali. References Reimer, K. and Tiemann, F. (1876), Ueber die Einwirkung von Chloroform auf alkalische Phenolate. [On the effect of chloroform on alkaline phenolates.] Ber. Dtsch. Chem. Ges., 9: 824-828. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.187600901247 Reimer, K. and Tiemann, F. … Read more
What is Emmert reaction? The Emmert reaction, first reported by Emmert and Asendorf in 1939, involves the condensation of pyridine (or its analogues) with aldehydes or ketones in the presence of aluminium or magnesium amalgam to form pyridylalkyl or pyridyldialkyl carbinols. Pyridine and its analogues are typically considered unreactive towards alkylation or acylation reactions due … Read more
What is Gattermann-Koch formylation? Gattermann-Koch formylation is a process in which benzene, alkylbenzenes, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are formylated with carbon monoxide, CO, and hydrogen chloride, HCl, in the presence of aluminum chloride, AlCl3, under high pressure. The introduction of cuprous chloride, Cu2Cl2, enables the reaction to occur under atmospheric pressure. References Gattermann, L. and … Read more
