Chapter 21, Problem 21.92P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using any reagents necessary, the synthesis of $\text{pentanoic acid}$ from $\text{1, 3-propanedioic acid}$ is to be shown.

Concept introduction:

$\text{1, 3-propanedioic acid}$ is an alkyl substituted acetic acid that can be produced from a melonic ester synthesis. Because three $\text{C-}$ atoms need to be added to the carbon chain, $\text{1-bromopropane}$ can be used as the alkyl halide. The dicarboxylic acid is first transformed into the diester. The diester is alkylated at the $\text{α-Carbon}$, which then undergoes decarboxylation to give the desired target compound.