Chapter 17, Problem 17.32P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

How the given compound can be synthesized using the compounds containing five or fewer carbons is to be shown.

Concept introduction:

A synthesis is a specific sequence of chemical reactions that converts starting materials to the desired compound, called the target. The synthesis may be designed by thinking in the reverse direction, from the product to the starting compounds, in a method called retrosynthesis. Retrosynthesis involves starting with the product and determining a suitable precursor from which it can be synthesized. This is known as a transform and does not consider a specific reaction or reaction conditions. This is continued till easily available precursor(s) is/are reached. The specific synthesis steps and conditions in the forward direction are determined at this stage.

$\text{α,β-}$ unsaturated ketones undergo a direct, $\text{1, 2-}$ addition when treated with a strong nucleophile that adds irreversibly to the carbonyl carbon. They undergo a conjugate, $\text{1, 4-}$ addition when treated with a nucleophile that adds reversibly.