Concepts in organic synthesis: retrosynthesis, disconnection and synthons - One Line Questions

1. The 'carbonyl group' is often a target for disconnection. What are common synthons derived from a carbonyl group? An acyl anion equivalent and an alkoxy cation equivalent.
2. The disconnection of an ester (R-COO-R') typically leads to synthons related to: A carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
3. The disconnection of a C-N bond in an amide (R-CO-NR'R'') typically leads to synthons related to: A carboxylic acid and an amine.
4. What is the common synthetic equivalent for a carboxylate synthon (RCOO-)? All of the above.
5. What is the relationship between a disconnection and a forward reaction? A disconnection is the reverse of a forward reaction.
6. What does the term 'reductive disconnection' imply? A disconnection that leads to synthons requiring reduction in the forward synthesis.
7. What does the term 'oxidative disconnection' imply? A disconnection that leads to synthons requiring oxidation in the forward synthesis.
8. Which type of synthon is represented by a carbene (R2C:)? A neutral synthon with divalent carbon.
9. A disconnection that results in a synthon with a positive charge on carbon is typically considered: An electrophile synthon.
10. What is a 'chiral auxiliary' in the context of stereoselective synthesis, often considered during retrosynthetic planning? A molecule temporarily attached to control stereochemistry.
11. In the context of retrosynthesis, what is a 'telescoped' reaction sequence? A sequence where multiple reaction steps are performed in the same pot without isolation of intermediates.
12. A disconnection that aims to simplify a cyclic structure often involves breaking: A single C-C bond to open the ring.
13. What is a 'synthon' in the context of retrosynthesis? An idealized, charged fragment resulting from a disconnection.
14. Which of the following is a valid synthetic equivalent for an acyl cation synthon (RCO+)? An acid chloride (RCOCl) or anhydride.
15. The 'Wittig reaction' is a well-known method to form C=C bonds. In retrosynthesis, its disconnection leads to synthons related to: An aldehyde/ketone and a phosphonium ylide.
16. Which of the following is a common synthetic equivalent for an alkyl anion synthon (R-)? An organometallic reagent (e.g., Grignard, organolithium).
17. A disconnection that results in a synthon with a negative charge on carbon is typically considered: A nucleophile synthon.
18. What does the term 'strategic disconnection' refer to in retrosynthesis? A disconnection that simplifies the molecule significantly or leads to readily available starting materials.
19. The 'Grob fragmentation' is a specific disconnection strategy for: Cyclic compounds with specific arrangements of heteroatoms.
20. Which of the following is NOT a primary consideration in choosing a disconnection strategy? The color of the target molecule.
21. What is a 'functional group interconversion' (FGI) in retrosynthesis? Changing one functional group into another.
22. What does a 'temporary disconnection' strategy involve? Introducing a functional group that can be easily removed later to facilitate disconnection.
23. What is a 'convergent synthesis' strategy, often planned using retrosynthesis? Synthesizing different fragments separately and then joining them.
24. What is a 'linear synthesis' strategy? Building the molecule step-by-step, adding one piece at a time.
25. The 'aza-Cope rearrangement' is a reaction that might be considered in retrosynthesis for forming: C-N bonds and rearrangements.
26. In retrosynthesis, the term 'telescoping' when applied to synthons means: Using a synthon that can represent multiple functionalities simultaneously.
27. When planning the synthesis of a complex molecule, retrosynthesis helps in: Breaking down the complexity into simpler steps.
28. Which type of disconnection is often used to form C-C bonds? Disconnection of a C-C bond.
29. The disconnection of an amine often leads to synthons that can be formed via reactions involving: Nucleophilic attack on alkyl halides or carbonyls.
30. When a disconnection leads to a synthon that is itself complex, what is the next step in the retrosynthetic analysis? Apply retrosynthesis to the simpler fragments.
31. Which of the following is a key advantage of E.J. Corey's logic in retrosynthesis? Emphasis on stereochemical control and efficient bond formation.
32. The process of identifying potential disconnections in a target molecule is known as: Retrosynthetic analysis.
33. A disconnection that simplifies a molecule by removing a functional group and replacing it with a hydrogen atom is generally termed: A reductive disconnection.
34. What is the main advantage of using retrosynthesis? It simplifies complex synthetic problems.
35. The disconnection of a hydroxyl group from an alcohol often leads to synthons that can be formed via: Nucleophilic addition to carbonyls or alkylation.
36. The disconnection of an alkene often leads to synthons that can be formed via: Elimination reactions.
37. Consider a disconnection that breaks a C-X bond where X is a halogen. What are the potential synthons? R+ and X-
38. Consider the disconnection of an ether (R-O-R'). What are the likely synthons? RO- and R+
39. The concept of 'synthon equivalence' is crucial because: Synthons are usually unstable and cannot be directly used.
40. What is the synthetic equivalent of a synthon? The actual reagent used in the forward synthesis that corresponds to the synthon.
41. In retrosynthesis, what does a 'disconnection' represent? The breaking of a bond in the target molecule to simplify it.
42. When performing retrosynthesis on a molecule with multiple functional groups, it is often strategic to disconnect: A bond that creates two simple fragments.
43. What is a 'stereochemical outcome' that is often a crucial consideration during retrosynthetic planning? The arrangement of atoms in three-dimensional space (e.g., enantiomers, diastereomers).
44. What is the 'target molecule' in retrosynthetic analysis? The desired final product of the synthesis.
45. Which of the following best describes the 'thermodynamic' consideration in choosing a disconnection? The stability of the synthons and intermediates formed.
46. Which of the following is a common characteristic of synthons?
47. What is the primary role of 'protecting groups' in the context of retrosynthesis and forward synthesis? To temporarily mask a reactive functional group to prevent unwanted reactions.
48. What is the purpose of establishing 'orbittals' in some advanced retrosynthetic planning? To define the stereochemical relationships between atoms.
49. What is the primary goal of retrosynthesis in organic chemistry? To devise a synthetic route by working backward from the target molecule.
50. When a disconnection breaks a molecule into a nucleophile synthon and an electrophile synthon, the corresponding synthetic equivalents are often: A nucleophile and an electrophile.