Download Edexcel Chemistry for A2

15 The synthesis of organic compounds
Topic overview
Topic overview: Topic 15
Specification 5.4.3
Organic synthesis
Student’s Book
Candidates should be able to:
a) give examples to illustrate the
importance of organic synthesis in
research for the production of
useful products
15.1 Organic synthesis
b) explain why sensitive methods of
chemical analysis are important
when planning and monitoring
organic syntheses
 Organic analysis
c) deduce the empirical formulae,
molecular formulae and structural
formulae from data drawn from
combustion analysis, elemental
percentage composition,
characteristic reactions of
functional groups, infrared
spectra, mass spectra and nuclear
magnetic resonance
d) use knowledge of organic
chemistry contained in this
specification to solve problems
such as:
(i) predicting the properties of
unfamiliar compounds containing
one or more of the functional
groups included in the
specification and explain these
predictions
 The synthesis of chlorophyll
HSW − Using knowledge and
understanding to define a
scientific problem and then
appropriate technology to solve it.
Network disc (* also in Student
resources)
*Learning outcomes
Introductory PowerPoint
presentation
*Weblink: Synthetic chemistry
laboratory
15.2 The formulae of organic
molecules
 Empirical formulae
 Molecular formulae
 Structural formulae
Activity: Using combustion analysis
and nmr spectroscopy to identify an
organic compound
15.3 Functional groups – the keys to
organic molecules
Practical: Identifying the functional
groups in an organic compound
HSW − Communicating information
and ideas in appropriate ways
using appropriate terminology.
HSW − Analysing and interpreting
data to provide evidence for
molecular structure.
Practical guidance:
Observation−deduction exercises on
organic compounds
Practical guidance: Practical skills
for A2
*Data sheet: Tests and observations
on organic compounds
(ii) planning reaction schemes of
up to four steps, recalling familiar
reactions and using unfamiliar
reactions given sufficient
information
(iii) selecting suitable practical
procedures for carrying out
reactions involving compounds
with functional groups included in
the specification.
15.4 Organic routes
 Changing the functional groups
Activity: Converting one functional
group to another
*Tutorial: Organic reaction schemes –
Planning reaction schemes for
organic compounds
15.5 Synthetic techniques
 Stage 1: Planning
 Stage 2: Carrying out the reaction
 Stage 3: Separating the product
from the reaction mixture
*Weblink: Synthetic chemistry
laboratory
Practical: The separation of
limonene from orange peel using
steam distillation
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© G. Hill and A. Hunt 2009 Edexcel Chemistry for A2
15 The synthesis of organic compounds
(iv) identifying appropriate control
measures to reduce risk during a
synthesis based upon data of
hazards
Topic overview
 Stage 4: Purifying the product
Purifying organic solids
Purifying organic liquids
 Stage 5: Measuring the yield,
identifying the product and
checking its purity
*Weblink: Practical techniques
Activity: The preparation of
methyl 3-nitrobenzoate
(See also in Topic 12:
Practical: The nitration of methyl
benzoate to prepare methyl 3nitrobenzoate)
Practical: Synthesising 2-chloro-2methylpropane from 2-methylpropan2-ol
[d) part (v) and e) come after section
f).]
f) describe and carry out, where
appropriate, the preparation of a
compound, e.g. cholesteryl
benzoate (a liquid crystal) and
methyl 3-nitrobenzoate, requiring
some of the following techniques:
(i) refluxing
(ii) purification by washing, e.g.
with water and sodium carbonate
solution
(iii) solvent extraction
(iv) recrystallisation
(v) drying
(vi) distillation
(vii) steam distillation
(viii) melting temperature
determination
(ix) boiling temperature
determination
d) use knowledge of organic
chemistry to solve problems such
as:
(v) understanding why, in the
synthesis of stereo-specific drugs,
it is important to understand the
mechanism of the reaction and
how this can help to plan the
synthesis
Practical: The synthesis of antifebrin
Activity: Decaffeinating coffee
15.6 Stereochemical synthesis
15.7 Stereochemistry and drugs
 Chirality in drugs
Activity: Thalidomide
HSW − Consideration of the
ethical issues in the treatment of
humans.
*Weblinks: Thalidomide
*Weblink: Treating cancer with
thalidomide
15.8 Synthesising drugs
HSW − Consideration of the
development and use of drugs and
appreciation of their associated
benefits and risks.
e) explain why the pharmaceutical
industry has adopted
combinatorial chemistry in drug
research, including passing
reactants over reagents on
polymer supports.
15.9 Combinatorial chemistry in
drug research
*Weblink: Combinatorial chemistry
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© G. Hill and A. Hunt 2009 Edexcel Chemistry for A2
15 The synthesis of organic compounds
Topic overview
Review questions
End of topic test
*Extension questions
Teacher’s and technician’s notes
for each of the class practicals under
the headings: Objectives, Suggested
approach, Safety, Materials and
equipment required and Answers to
questions
Answers:
*Answers to Test yourself questions
*Answers to Activities questions in
the Student’s Book
Answers to Activities questions on the
Network disc
Answers to Review questions
Answers to Extension questions
Answers to End of topic test
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© G. Hill and A. Hunt 2009 Edexcel Chemistry for A2