Think about learning how to do synthesis two reactions at a time.
When you learn a new reaction, take a moment and just think of one extra reaction you could do with that product.
Example. You learn free-radical halogenation of alkanes to make alkyl halides. What’s one reaction of alkyl halides?
- Elimination (with base) to give an alkene
- Substitution (with nucleophile) to give (e.g.) a nitrile
- later on, formation of a Grignard reagent.
Eventually, you will find yourself piecing together these two-step syntheses into longer chains of sequences.
Here are 20 examples of two-step synthesis questions that are great building blocks for bigger…
