Chapter 11, Problem 11.50P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The three electrophilic addition steps for the formation of cholesterol from squalene as per Equation 11-38 are to be drawn using curved arrow notation.

Concept introduction:

An electrophilic addition reaction step is one in which an electron-rich species attacks an electron-poor species to form a $\text{σ}$ bond with it. An electron-rich species (nucleophiles) may be an atom with a lone pair, with or without a negative charge, or a $\text{π}$ bond pair. Highly electronegative atoms like O and N that possess at least one lone pair can act as nucleophiles. An electron-poor species (electrophile) is an atom with an incomplete octet and a positive charge. These are typically a carbocation or a carbon attached to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen.