Outline all steps in a malonic ester synthesis of each of the following: (a) pentanoic acid, ) 2-methylpentanoic acid, and (c) 4-methylpentanoic acid.

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**Title: Malonic Ester Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids**

**Objective:**
Outline all steps in a malonic ester synthesis of the following compounds:
- (a) Pentanoic acid
- (b) 2-Methylpentanoic acid
- (c) 4-Methylpentanoic acid

---

**Introduction:**

Malonic ester synthesis is a well-known method in organic chemistry for synthesizing carboxylic acids. This process utilizes malonic ester as a key starting material to create a wide array of substituted carboxylic acids through alkylation and subsequent decarboxylation. Here, we detail the steps required to synthesize specific carboxylic acids using this method.

**Steps of Malonic Ester Synthesis:**

1. **Formation of Enolate Anion:**
   - Begin by deprotonating the malonic ester with a strong base such as sodium ethoxide (NaOEt) to form an enolate anion.

2. **Alkylation:**
   - The enolate anion acts as a nucleophile and undergoes alkylation by reacting with an appropriate alkyl halide.
   - For each compound:
     - **(a) Pentanoic acid:** Utilize a 1-bromo-3-pentane molecular fragment.
     - **(b) 2-Methylpentanoic acid:** Use a 2-bromo-2-methylbutane molecular fragment.
     - **(c) 4-Methylpentanoic acid:** Employ a 1-bromo-4-methylpentane fragment.

3. **Hydrolysis and Decarboxylation:**
   - The alkylated malonic ester is subjected to acidic hydrolysis to convert the ester groups into carboxylic acid groups.
   - Heat the product to induce decarboxylation, removing one of the two carboxylic acid groups and forming the desired carboxylic acid.

**Final Note:**
This method is valuable for synthesizing substituted and straightforward carboxylic acids efficiently and is predominantly used in laboratory settings for research and educational applications.

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Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Malonic Ester Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids** **Objective:** Outline all steps in a malonic ester synthesis of the following compounds: - (a) Pentanoic acid - (b) 2-Methylpentanoic acid - (c) 4-Methylpentanoic acid --- **Introduction:** Malonic ester synthesis is a well-known method in organic chemistry for synthesizing carboxylic acids. This process utilizes malonic ester as a key starting material to create a wide array of substituted carboxylic acids through alkylation and subsequent decarboxylation. Here, we detail the steps required to synthesize specific carboxylic acids using this method. **Steps of Malonic Ester Synthesis:** 1. **Formation of Enolate Anion:** - Begin by deprotonating the malonic ester with a strong base such as sodium ethoxide (NaOEt) to form an enolate anion. 2. **Alkylation:** - The enolate anion acts as a nucleophile and undergoes alkylation by reacting with an appropriate alkyl halide. - For each compound: - **(a) Pentanoic acid:** Utilize a 1-bromo-3-pentane molecular fragment. - **(b) 2-Methylpentanoic acid:** Use a 2-bromo-2-methylbutane molecular fragment. - **(c) 4-Methylpentanoic acid:** Employ a 1-bromo-4-methylpentane fragment. 3. **Hydrolysis and Decarboxylation:** - The alkylated malonic ester is subjected to acidic hydrolysis to convert the ester groups into carboxylic acid groups. - Heat the product to induce decarboxylation, removing one of the two carboxylic acid groups and forming the desired carboxylic acid. **Final Note:** This method is valuable for synthesizing substituted and straightforward carboxylic acids efficiently and is predominantly used in laboratory settings for research and educational applications. ---
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