Problems Set Week #7

1. Answer the following questions referring to Benzyne.

a. Benzyne has 8 pi electrons yet it is still aromatic. Explain. huh?

b. Why is benzyne so reactive?

c. How is it generated in the lab?

2. Are Diels-Alder reactions usually endothermic or exothermic? Explain briefly.

3. What is the function of 1,2-dimethoxyethane in this week's reaction?

4. What does the term "in-situ" mean? When do people use this technique?

5. Predict the major products for the following reactions. Include the correct stereochemistry.

6. Which of the following reactions do you expect to be the fastest? Which one the slowest? Explain briefly.