Problems Set #1 (Week 1-2)

ATTN 1: answers to the below questions are due at the start of your second lab period; these answers should be part of your pre-lab write-up.

ATTN 2: The worksheet for the Library training can be found here

Referring to setp 1 (conversion of (1) to (3))

1. How many equivalents of stannous chloride are used to reduce nitrobenzene to aniline. How many electrons are transferred?

2. What is the function of the concentrated hydrochloric acid?

3. What is the function of the potassium hydroxide solution?

4. Why is potassium carbonate used to dry the organic layer in step 1?

Referring to step 2 (conversion of (3) to (4))

5. Why is sodium acetate used in the reaction?

6. Why are anhydrous conditions used in this step?

Referring to step 3 (conversion of (4) to (5))

7. Why do you use a three-fold excess of diethylamine?

8. Why is toluene used and the mixture refluxed for 90 minutes?