Chapter 17.12, Problem 16P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The name and type of alkene that isselected between cis-2-alkene and trans-2-alkene so that it successfully undergoes epoxidation process in presence of acid for the formation of meso-2,3-butanediol and the analyzation of the alkene that form meso-2,3-butanediol in presence of ${\text{OsO}}_4$ dihydroxylation is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

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In comparison to simple ethers, epoxides show higher reactivity towards nucleophilic reagents.

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On reacting with anionic nucleophiles, epoxides form ring-opened products. This reaction is quite rapid and is exothermic in nature.

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The high reactivity of epoxides towards anionic nucleophiles is due to the presence of angle strain in epoxide and this is relieved by opening of the ring.