Chapter 19, Problem 19.3P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using formaldehyde as the only source of carbon atoms, the synthesis of $\text{propan-1-ol}$ is to be shown.

Concept introduction:

Synthesis may be designed by thinking in the reverse direction, from the product to the starting compound in a method called retrosynthesis. Retrosynthesis involves starting with the product and determining a suitable precursor from which it can be synthesized, without considering specific reactions. The precursor must be a simpler molecule, which may or may not have a close structural relation to the target molecule. This process is repeated until an easily available (or easily prepared) precursor is reached. Each of these steps is called a transform. A synthesis is a specific sequence of chemical reactions that convert starting materials into the desired compound, called the target (or synthetic target).

Grignard reagents, when treated with an aldehyde, produce a primary alcohol.