updated last Thu, Apr 22, 2004

Week 4 Problem Set - 30BL (Turn in your computer assignment during week 5)


PART I. (Reduction of Camphor)

This assignment is to be completed in the UCLA Science Learning Center computing labs.

1. You can download the files that you saved during the first computer assignment. Alternatively, the files you need for today's assignment can be found at the following location: (at the desktop level) double click the Network Neighboorhood icon --> Dellsrv2 --> Commonly Shared Folders. Copy the the 130AL folder to your desktop.

2. Optimize the above structural geometry of borneol, camphor and isoborneol. (see below instructions). Compare the heat of formation of borneol and isoborneol. Which one is more stable product (thermodynamic product)? How can you rationalize the differences?

4. Determine the dipol momentum for borneol, camphor and isoborneol. (see below instructions). In the GC spectrum, camphor has the shortest retention time, then isoborneol and borneol last. Can you rationalize the GC results based on the calculated dipole momenta of these compounds? (Note: The GC column is weakly polar.)

 


Instructions:


See these Helpful Hints for manipulating structures!

Note:

1 au = 1 hartree = 627.5 kcal/mol
1 eV = 23.06 kcal/mol
1 hartree = 27.21 eV
1 Ångstrom = 1.889762 atomic units = 10-8 cm

PART II. (Aldol Condensation)

1. Calculate the dipole moment for dihedral angles: 0 through 180 degrees in 10 degree increments. Plot the dipole moment of benzil vs. the dihedral angle.

Newman Projection of Benzil

Instructions:

Part III: Phase Transfer Oxidation (due in prelab)

1. What is the function of the sodium hypochlorite and the tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulfate in this reaction?

2. Given is the following mixture: ethanol, ethyl acetate and acidic acid. A GC spectrum is acquired for this mixture isothermally at 90 oC. Answer the following questions:

a. Determine the sequence of in which they will come out of a GC column with a non-polar column.

b. What would change (if anything) if polar column is used instead ?

c. What would change if the temperature would be increased by 10 oC using a non-polar column?

d. What would change if spectrum would be obtained using a temperature gradient?

3. A separatory funnel is used this week during the work-up. Answer the following questions.

a. Why is it important to 'vent' the separatory funnel frequently? Why do you want to make sure not to point the stem towards a different person?

b. Why do you have to remove the stopper on top when you drain the solution out of the separatory funnel?

c. Why do you have to be very cautious if you use sodium bicarbonate for extraction?

4. Recrystallization

a. Why is 95% ethanol used for the recrystallization of the crude benzoin?

b. You dissolved the crude product, but no crystals are formed afterwards. What can you do?

c. How can you optimize the recovery yield for the recrystallization step?