Chapter 18.SE, Problem 29MP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Given that in preparing the prepolymer used to make epoxy resins, a bisphenol reacts with epichlorohydrin in the presence of a base. The product formed when two moles of phenol react with epichlorohydrin is to be given. And the mechanism of its formation also is to be given.

Concept introduction:

In Williomson synthesis, phenoxide ions react with alkyl or aryl halides to yield ethers. The phenoxide ion can be produced by treating the phenol with a base.

Epoxides can be opened by treating with nucleophilc reagents. When both epoxide carbons are either primary or secondary the nucleophilic attack mainly occurs at the less highly substituted side. When one of the epoxide carbons is tertiary, the nucleophilic attack mainly occurs at the more highly substituted side.

To give:

The product formed and the mechanism of its formation when two moles of phenol react with epichlorohydrin.