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

1. During the synthesis of the Jacobsen catalyst, you are asked to pass a slow air stream through your reaction mixture. Why?

2. In the TLC part of your experiment, which compound to you expect to travel farther? Explain.

3. Referring to the structure of the Jacobsen catalyst, how can you describe the coordination figure around the Mn-atom?

4. Which changes do you expect to observe in the IR spectrum of the Mn-complex (in comparison with the ligand)?

5. Suggest a brief method to synthesize the "Salen ligand" introduced in lecture.

6. Why are complexes of phthalocyanine and porphine so stable?

7. How can you account for the yellow color of the Jacobsen ligand even though both starting materials are white?

8. What is the function of the potassium carbonate in the reaction (step 4)?