Chapter 17, Problem 17.12P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

The major organic product of the given reaction sequence is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Sodium hydride, $\text{NaH}$, is the chemical compound used as a reducing agent. Sodium hydride ($\text{NaH}$) is a strong base but a poor nucleophile. Being a strong base, it will abstract an acidic hydrogen atom (alpha hydrogen atom) in carbonyl compounds. This leads to the formation of an enolate ion, which can act as a good nucleophile. Thus, sodium hydride helps to create carbon nucleophiles from the corresponding carbonyl compounds.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The major organic product of the given reaction sequence is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Sodium hydride, $\text{NaH}$, is the chemical compound used as a reducing agent. Sodium hydride ($\text{NaH}$) is a strong base but a poor nucleophile. Being a strong base, it will abstract an acidic hydrogen atom (alpha hydrogen atom) in carbonyl compounds. This leads to the formation of an enolate ion, which can act as a good nucleophile. Thus, sodium hydride helps to create carbon nucleophiles from the corresponding carbonyl compounds.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The major organic product of the given reaction sequence is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Sodium hydride, $\text{NaH}$, is the chemical compound used as a reducing agent. Sodium hydride ($\text{NaH}$) is a strong base but a poor nucleophile. Being a strong base, it will abstract an acidic hydrogen atom (alpha hydrogen atom) in carbonyl compounds. This leads to the formation of an enolate ion, which can act as a good nucleophile. Thus, sodium hydride helps to create carbon nucleophiles from the corresponding carbonyl compounds.