This chapter focuses on the structure and reactivity of carbenes. It covers cyclopropanation reactions, including the Simmons-Smith reaction, and C-H insertion reactions.
As shown in the following diagram, both methods begin with an organic halogen compound and the carboxyl group eventually replaces the halogen. Both methods require two steps, but are complementary in ...As shown in the following diagram, both methods begin with an organic halogen compound and the carboxyl group eventually replaces the halogen. Both methods require two steps, but are complementary in that the nitrile intermediate in the first procedure is generated by a S N 2 reaction, in which cyanide anion is a nucleophilic precursor of the carboxyl group. The initial product is a salt of the carboxylic acid, which must then be released by treatment with strong aqueous acid.
