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 Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky reaction? The Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky reaction involves the α-halogenation of carboxylic acids in the presence of catalytic phosphorus. The reaction likely proceeds through the enol form of the intermediate acyl halide. The discovery of this reaction is attributed to Carl M. von Hell (1849-1926), who first reported it in 1881. Jacob Volhard (1849-1909) and … Read more
What is Prins reaction? The Prins reaction is the acid-catalyzed addition of olefins to formaldehyde to give 1,3-diols, allylic alcohols or meta-dioxanes. The reaction was named after the Dutch chemist Hendrik Johannes Prins (1889-1958), who studied the reaction in greater detail in the 1919. References H.J. Prins, “Condensation of formaldehyde with some unsaturated compounds” Chem. Weekblad, … Read more
What is Paternò-Büchi reaction? The Paternò-Büchi reaction involves the photochemical cycloaddition of carbonyl compounds to olefins, resulting in the formation of oxetanes. References E. Paternò, G. Chieffi, “Sintesi in chimica organica per mezzo della luce. Nota II. Composti degli idrocarburi non saturi con aldeidi e chetoni” Gazz. Chim. Ital. 39, 341 (1909) Light-catalyzed Organic Reactions. … Read more
What is Nef reaction? The Nef reaction involves the production of aldehydes and ketones from primary and secondary nitroalkanes, respectively. This is achieved by treating their salts with sulfuric acid, H2SO4. It is important to note that the Nef reaction should not be confused with Nef synthesis. References Nef, J.U. (1894), Ueber die Constitution der … Read more
What is Shapiro reaction? The Shapiro reaction is a chemical process that is closely related to the Bamford-Stevens reaction. It involves the formation of unrearranged alkenes, typically the less substituted isomers, through the treatment of ketone-derived p-toluenesulfonylhydrazones with alkyl lithium reagents. References Tosylhydrazones. V. Reaction of Tosylhydrazones with Alkyllithium Reagents. A New Olefin Synthesis. Robert … Read more
What is Ramberg-Bäcklund rearrangement? The Ramberg-Bäcklund rearrangement is a well-known transformation of α-halosulfones into olefins, which was first discovered by Ramberg and Bäcklund in 1940. This reaction is sometimes referred to as the Ramberg-Bäcklund reaction, Ramberg-Bäcklund elimination, Ramberg-Bäcklund olefination, Ramberg-Bäcklund synthesis, or Ramberg-Bäcklund olefin synthesis. R1 = alkyl, aryl R2 = H, alkyl, aryl (see list of acronyms) It is … Read more
What is Pummerer rearrangement? The transformation of a sulfoxide bearing an α-proton to α-substituted sulfide can be achieved through an acid or acyclic anhydride-promoted reaction, as reported by Pummerer in 1909. This reaction involves the formation of a sulfenium (or thionium) intermediate and can also result in the reduction of sulfonium sulfur with concomitant oxidation … Read more
What is Darzens condensation? The Darzens condensation (also known as Darzens-Claisen reaction) is a chemical reaction that allows for the synthesis of compounds containing a carbonyl group. This reaction is named after the French chemist Georges Darzens, who first described it in 1894.. The Darzens condensation involves the reaction of a compound called a “glycidic … Read more
What is Wittig reaction? The Wittig reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the conversion of an aldehyde or ketone into an alkenyl compound through the use of a phosphonium ylide. This reaction is named after the German chemist Georg Wittig, who first described the reaction in 1954.. The Wittig reaction is typically performed by … Read more
What is Ullmann aryl-aryl coupling? The Ullmann aryl-aryl coupling, also known as the Ullmann reaction, refers to the copper-mediated coupling of aryl halides. Additionally, the reaction can be used to synthesize biaryl ethers from aryl halides and phenols. It was developed by Fritz Ullmann in the early 20th century and has since become a widely … Read more
