Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around predicting the major product of a tosylation reaction involving a compound with multiple hydroxyl groups when treated with p-TsOH and heat. The focus is on understanding the role of the hydroxyl groups in the reaction and the implications of their structural context.
Discussion Character
- Homework-related
- Conceptual clarification
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses uncertainty about whether the tosyl acid will replace the -OH group of the carboxylic acid, the standalone -OH group, or both, suggesting that only one replacement is likely for stability reasons.
- Another participant reiterates the same uncertainty and emphasizes the need to consider the stability of the resulting products when determining which -OH group is replaced.
- A later reply clarifies that the -OH group of the carboxylic acid should be treated as part of that functional group rather than as a separate alcohol, which may influence the reaction outcome.
- One participant acknowledges their confusion regarding the treatment of the carboxylic acid's -OH group and expresses relief after receiving clarification on its role in the reaction.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the need to clarify the role of the -OH groups in the reaction, but there remains uncertainty about which group will be replaced and how to approach the problem given the lack of prior examples in their coursework.
Contextual Notes
Participants note limitations in their prior learning, specifically the absence of examples involving multiple -OH groups and the complexities that arise from having both alcohol and carboxylic acid functional groups in the same molecule.
