(•••) Synthesize the following molecules beginning with only organic molecules containing three carbons or fewer. (b)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the target molecule and its functional groups.
2. Determine the carbon skeleton of the target molecule and compare it with available starting materials.
3. Plan a retrosynthetic analysis to break down the target molecule into simpler precursors, focusing on key bonds and functional groups.
4. Identify possible reactions and reagents that can be used to construct the target molecule from the identified precursors.
5. Outline a synthetic route, starting from the chosen three-carbon or fewer organic molecules, and detail each step, including necessary reagents and conditions.

Key Concepts

Alkane Structure and Reactivity

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with single bonds between carbon atoms. Understanding their structure is crucial for predicting reactivity, as they generally undergo substitution reactions rather than addition reactions due to their stable nature. The simplest alkanes, such as propane and butane, serve as foundational examples for organic synthesis.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the chemical reactivity and properties of those molecules. In organic synthesis, recognizing functional groups such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, and alkenes is essential, as they guide the transformation of simpler molecules into more complex structures. This knowledge is vital for planning synthetic routes.

Synthetic Pathways

Synthetic pathways refer to the series of chemical reactions that transform starting materials into desired products. In organic chemistry, understanding how to construct these pathways using available reagents and conditions is key to synthesizing complex molecules. This involves strategic planning, including the selection of intermediates and the order of reactions to achieve the final target molecule.