Show how the following compound can be prepared from the given starting material. Draw the structure of the compound that is formed in each step of the synthesis.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the target molecule as a cyclopropane with a carbonyl group, specifically an epoxide.
2. Recognize that prop-1-yne is an alkyne, which can be converted to an alkene through hydrogenation.
3. Use a Lindlar catalyst to selectively hydrogenate prop-1-yne to cis-propene.
4. Perform an epoxidation reaction on the alkene using a peracid, such as mCPBA, to form the epoxide.
5. Ensure the stereochemistry of the epoxide matches the target molecule, with both methyl groups on the same side.

Key Concepts

Alkyne Reactivity

Alkynes, such as prop-1-yne, are hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon triple bond. This triple bond makes them highly reactive, allowing them to undergo various reactions, including addition reactions. Understanding the reactivity of alkynes is crucial for predicting the products formed during synthesis, especially when converting them into functionalized compounds like carbonyls.

Hydration of Alkynes

The hydration of alkynes involves the addition of water across the triple bond, typically in the presence of an acid catalyst. This reaction can lead to the formation of enols, which can tautomerize to form ketones or aldehydes. Recognizing this process is essential for synthesizing carbonyl compounds from alkynes, as it directly relates to the transformation shown in the question.

Tautomerization

Tautomerization is a chemical reaction that involves the rearrangement of bonds within a compound, resulting in isomers that differ in the position of a proton and a double bond. In the context of alkyne hydration, the enol formed can quickly convert to a more stable carbonyl compound through tautomerization. This concept is vital for understanding how the final product is achieved in the synthesis from prop-1-yne.