What Does 2-Butanol Form with Trifluoroacetic Anhydride?

In summary, the product of the reaction between trifluoroacetic anhydride and 2 butanol, a secondary alcohol, is likely sec-butyl trifluoroacetate, based on the similarity of reactions between primary and secondary alcohols with anhydrides.
  • #1
phish
5
0

Homework Statement



What would be the product of the reaction between trifluoroacetic anhydride and 2 butanol. This is a secondary alcohol. When a primary alcohol like methanol reacts with trifluoroacetic anhydride it forms methyl trifluoroacetate, but what 2 butanol form with it? I tried and got sec-butyl trifluoroacetate -this was sort of a guess.

Thanks in advance

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
phish said:
When a primary alcohol like methanol reacts with trifluoroacetic anhydride it forms methyl trifluoroacetate, but what 2 butanol form with it? I tried and got sec-butyl trifluoroacetate -this was sort of a guess.
It's a good guess. There's no reason to expect an anhydride reaction to be vastly different for primary alcohols and secondary alcohols. The only time this would be a factor is if there were some extreme steric hindrance that made the secondary alcohol reaction kinetically or thermodynamically prohibitive (but not the first).
 

1. What makes an organic reaction difficult?

Difficult organic reactions can be challenging due to a variety of factors, such as the presence of multiple functional groups, steric hindrance, and the need for precise reaction conditions or reagents.

2. How can I improve the yield of a difficult organic reaction?

To improve the yield of a difficult organic reaction, it is important to carefully choose the appropriate reaction conditions, optimize the reaction time and temperature, and use high-quality reagents. Purification techniques, such as column chromatography, can also help improve the yield.

3. What are some common strategies for overcoming difficult organic reactions?

Some common strategies for overcoming difficult organic reactions include using protecting groups, changing the reaction solvent, using catalysts, and employing novel reaction mechanisms.

4. How can I troubleshoot a difficult organic reaction?

Troubleshooting a difficult organic reaction involves carefully analyzing the reaction conditions and identifying potential sources of error, such as impure reagents or incorrect reaction temperatures. Making small changes to the reaction conditions and systematically testing them can help identify the problem and improve the reaction yield.

5. Are there any resources available for learning about difficult organic reactions?

Yes, there are many resources available for learning about difficult organic reactions, including textbooks, scientific journals, and online databases. Additionally, attending conferences and workshops can provide valuable insight and tips for successfully performing difficult organic reactions.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
4K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
11K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top