Glucose Heating w/ HI: Why Get N-Hexane? | Reaction Explanation

In summary, heating glucose with HI serves the purpose of carrying out the deoxyiodination of glucose. N-Hexane is used as a nonpolar solvent to dissolve and stabilize the reactants, while HI acts as a strong reducing agent to remove an oxygen atom from glucose. This results in the formation of deoxyglucose through a series of steps. Other factors such as temperature, reactant concentration, and impurities can also affect the outcome of the reaction.
  • #1
erisedk
374
7
Why does glucose on prolonged heating with HI give n-hexane?
What mechanism/reaction type is this? All I knew till now was that alcohols would give halogen substituted products with hydrogen halides.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
It's a reduction with hydroiodic acid being oxidized to iodate. Btw the same reaction is used in the synthesis of methamphetamine in beeaking bad.
 
  • #3
Is it a common mechanism in introductory organic chemistry?
 

1. What is the purpose of heating glucose with HI?

The purpose of heating glucose with HI is to carry out a reaction known as the deoxyiodination of glucose. This process involves removing an oxygen atom from glucose and replacing it with a hydrogen atom from HI, resulting in the formation of water and deoxyglucose.

2. Why use N-Hexane in this reaction?

N-Hexane is a nonpolar solvent that is commonly used in organic reactions. In the case of glucose heating with HI, N-Hexane is used to dissolve and stabilize the reactants, making it easier for the reaction to occur. Additionally, N-Hexane is an inert solvent and does not interfere with the reaction itself.

3. What is the role of HI in this reaction?

HI, or hydroiodic acid, is a strong reducing agent that is necessary for the deoxyiodination of glucose. It reacts with glucose to remove an oxygen atom, making it a crucial component of the reaction. Without HI, the reaction would not occur.

4. How does heating glucose with HI result in the formation of deoxyglucose?

When heated, glucose reacts with HI to form a reactive intermediate. This intermediate then undergoes a series of steps, resulting in the removal of an oxygen atom and the addition of a hydrogen atom, ultimately resulting in the formation of deoxyglucose.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the outcome of this reaction?

Yes, there are several factors that can affect the outcome of this reaction. Temperature, concentration of reactants, and presence of impurities can all impact the efficiency and yield of the reaction. It is important to carefully control these factors to ensure optimal results.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
4K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • Art, Music, History, and Linguistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
0
Views
738
Replies
22
Views
3K
Back
Top