Chapter 23, Problem 23.53P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation: The structure for $X$ is to be predicted.

Concept introduction: Sodium hydride is a strong base. It abstracts a proton and forms carbanion. This carbanion acts as a nucleophile and attacks on the electrophilic centre of alkyl halide.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation: The reaction which converts $X$ to meperidine is to be predicted.

Concept introduction: Meperidine is a synthetic compound which is used as a painkilling drug. The molecular formula of meperidine is ${\text{C}}_{\text{15}}{\text{H}}_{\text{21}}{\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}$.