International Chemistry Olympiad

IChO 2011

Ankara, Turkey · 8 theory problems with complete solutions

  1. Problem 1: Kinetics of the reaction of nitric oxide with hydrogen

    Nitrogen oxides, common pollutants in the ambient air, are primarily nitric oxide, \(\ce{NO}\), and nitrogen dioxide, \(\ce{NO2}\). Atmospheric nitric oxide is produced mainly during thunderstorms and in the internal combustion engines. At high temperatures \(\ce{NO}\) reacts with \(\ce{H2}\) to produce nitrous oxide, \(\ce{N2O}\), a greenhouse gas.

    Figure 1

    To study the kinetics of this reaction at \(820\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), initial rates for the formation of \(\ce{N2O}\) were measured using various initial partial pressures of \(\ce{NO}\) and \(\ce{H2}\).

    Exp. Initial pressure, torr: \(p_{\ce{NO}}\) Initial pressure, torr: \(p_{\ce{H2}}\) Initial rate of production of \(\ce{N2O}\), torr \(\mathrm{s^{-1}}\)
    1 120.0 60.0 \(8.66\cdot10^{-2}\)
    2 60.0 60.0 \(2.17\cdot10^{-2}\)
    3 60.0 180.0 \(6.62\cdot10^{-2}\)

    Throughout this problem do not use concentrations. Use units of pressure (torr) and time in seconds.

    1.1 Determine the experimental rate law and calculate the rate constant.

    1.2 Calculate the initial rate of disappearance of \(\ce{NO}\), if \(\ce{NO}\) with a pressure of \(2.00\cdot10^{2}\) torr and \(\ce{H2}\) with \(1.00\cdot10^{2}\) torr are mixed at \(820\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\).

    (If you have been unable to calculate the value for the rate constant, you can use the value of \(2\cdot10^{-7}\) in appropriate unit.)

    1.3 Calculate the time elapsed to reduce the partial pressure of \(\ce{H2}\) to the half of its initial value, if \(\ce{NO}\) with a pressure of \(8.00\cdot10^{2}\) torr and \(\ce{H2}\) with \(1.0\) torr are mixed at \(820\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\).

    (If you have been unable to calculate the value for the rate constant, you can use the value of \(2\cdot10^{-7}\) in appropriate unit.)

    A proposed mechanism for the reaction between \(\ce{NO}\) and \(\ce{H2}\) is given below:

    Figure 2

    1.4 Derive the rate law for the formation of \(\ce{N2O}\) from the proposed mechanism using the steady-state approximation for the intermediate.

    1.5 Under what condition does this rate law reduce to the experimentally determined rate law found in Part 1.1? Tick the relevant answer.

    • \(\square\) If \(k_{-1}\ll k_2p_{\ce{H2}}\)
    • \(\square\) If \(k_{-1}\gg k_2p_{\ce{H2}}\)
    • \(\square\) If \(k_{-1}>k_2\)
    • \(\square\) If \(k_1>k_{-1}\)

    1.6 Express the experimentally determined rate constant \(k\) in terms of \(k_1\), \(k_{-1}\) and \(k_2\).

    1.7 Select the schematic energy diagram that is consistent with the proposed reaction mechanism and experimental rate law.

    Figure 3
    Figure 4

    Official English text of the problem.

  2. Problem 2: Combustion of ammonia

    Anhydrous ammonia is an ultra-clean, energy-dense alternative liquid fuel. It produces no greenhouse gases on combustion.

    In an experiment, gaseous \(\ce{NH3}\) is burned with \(\ce{O2}\) in a container of fixed volume according to the equation given below.

    Figure 1

    The initial and final states are at 298 K. After combustion with 14.40 g of \(\ce{O2}\), some of \(\ce{NH3}\) remains unreacted.

    2.1 Calculate the heat released during the process.

    \[ \Delta_{\mathrm f}H^\circ(\ce{NH3(g)})=-46.11\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}} \quad\text{and}\quad \Delta_{\mathrm f}H^\circ(\ce{H2O(l)})=-285.83\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}} \]

    To determine the amount of \(\ce{NH3}\) gas dissolved in water, produced during the combustion process, a 10.00 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) sample of the aqueous solution was withdrawn from the reaction vessel and added to 15.0 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) of a \(\ce{H2SO4}\) solution (\(c=0.0100\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\)). The resulting solution was titrated with a standard \(\ce{NaOH}\) solution (\(c=0.0200\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\)) and the equivalence point was reached at 10.64 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\).

    \[ \left(K_b(\ce{NH3})=1.8\cdot10^{-5};\quad K_a(\ce{HSO4-})=1.1\cdot10^{-2}\right) \]

    2.2 Calculate pH of the solution in the container after combustion.

    2.3 At the end point of titration, \(\ce{NH4+}\) and \(\ce{SO4^2-}\) ions are present in the solution. Write the equations for the relevant equilibria to show how the presence of these two ions affects the pH and calculate their equilibrium constant(s).

    2.4 Tick the correct statement for the pH of the solution at the equivalence point.

    \[ \square\ \mathrm{pH}>7 \qquad \square\ \mathrm{pH}=7 \qquad \square\ \mathrm{pH}<7 \]

    Official English text of the problem.

  3. Problem 3: Isotope effects in diatomic molecules

    At a temperature of 0 K, the total energy of a gaseous diatomic molecule \(\ce{AB}\) is approximately given by:

    \[ E=E_{\mathrm{o}}+E_{\mathrm{vib}} \]

    where \(E_{\mathrm{o}}\) is the electronic energy of the ground state, and \(E_{\mathrm{vib}}\) is the vibrational energy.

    Allowed values of the vibrational energies are given by the expression:

    \[ E_{\mathrm{vib}}=\left(\nu+\frac12\right)\varepsilon \qquad \nu=0,1,2,\ldots \qquad \varepsilon=\frac{h}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{k}{\mu}} \qquad \mu(\ce{AB})=\frac{m_A m_B}{m_A+m_B} \]

    where \(h\) is the Planck’s constant, \(\nu\) is the vibrational quantum number, \(k\) is the force constant, and \(\mu\) is the reduced mass of the molecule. At 0 K, it may be safely assumed that \(\nu\) is zero, and \(E_{\mathrm{o}}\) and \(k\) are independent of isotopic substitution in the molecule.

    Deuterium, D, is an isotope of hydrogen atom with mass number 2. For the \(\ce{H2}\) molecule, \(k\) is \(575.11\ \mathrm{N\,m^{-1}}\), and the isotopic molar masses of H and D are 1.0078 and \(2.0141\ \mathrm{g\,mol^{-1}}\), respectively.

    At a temperature of 0 K: \(\varepsilon_{\ce{H2}}=1.1546\,\varepsilon_{\ce{HD}}\) and \(\varepsilon_{\ce{D2}}=0.8167\,\varepsilon_{\ce{HD}}\).

    3.1 Calculate the enthalpy change, \(\Delta H\), in \(\mathrm{kJ\cdot mol^{-1}}\) for the following reaction at 0 K:

    Figure 1

    3.2 Calculate the frequency in \(\mathrm{s^{-1}}\) of infrared photons that can be absorbed by \(\ce{HD}\) molecule.

    (If you have been unable to calculate the value for \(\varepsilon_{\ce{HD}}\) then use \(8.000\cdot10^{-20}\ \mathrm{J}\) for the calculation.)

    The allowed electronic energies of H atom are given by the expression:

    \[ E=-\frac{R_H}{n^2},\quad n=1,2,\ldots \qquad \text{where }R_H=13.5984\ \mathrm{eV}, \text{ and }1\ \mathrm{eV}=1.602\cdot10^{-19}\ \mathrm{J} \]

    The total energy of \(\ce{H2}\) molecule in its ground state is \(-31.675\ \mathrm{eV}\), relative to the same reference as that of hydrogen atom.

    3.3 Calculate the dissociation energy, DE, in eV of a hydrogen molecule in its ground state such that both H atoms are produced in their ground states.

    3.4 A molecule \(\ce{H2}\) in the ground state dissociates into its atoms after absorbing a photon of wavelength 77.0 nm. Determine all possibilities for the electronic states of hydrogen atoms produced. For each case calculate the total kinetic energy, KE, in eV of the dissociated hydrogen atoms.

    3.5 Calculate the electron affinity, EA, of \(\ce{H2+}\) ion in eV if its dissociation energy is 2.650 eV. If you have been unable to calculate the value for the dissociation energy of \(\ce{H2}\) then use 4.500 eV for the calculation.)

    Official English text of the problem.

  4. Problem 4: Hydrogen storage in sodium borohydride

    For sustainable energy, hydrogen appears to be the best energy carrier. The most efficient way of using hydrogen is generation of electrical energy in a fuel cell. However, storing hydrogen in large quantities is a challenge in fuel cell applications. Among the chemical hydrides considered as solid hydrogen storage materials, sodium borohydride (\(\ce{NaBH4}\)), being non-toxic, stable and environmentally benign, appears to be the most promising one. The hydrolysis of sodium borohydride that releases \(\ce{H2}\) gas is a slow reaction at ambient temperature and, therefore, needs to be catalyzed.

    Figure 1

    Colloidal ruthenium(0) nanoclusters are the most active catalysts in this hydrolysis even at room temperature and lead to a complete \(\ce{H2}\) release from sodium borohydride. Kinetic studies show that the catalytic hydrolysis of \(\ce{NaBH4}\) is a first order reaction with respect to the catalyst, but a zero order with respect to the substrate. The rate of hydrogen production per mole of ruthenium is \(92\ \mathrm{mol}\,\ce{H2}\cdot(\mathrm{mol}\,\ce{Ru})^{-1}\cdot\mathrm{min}^{-1}\) at \(25\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\).

    4.1 Calculate the amount of ruthenium catalyst (in mg) which must be added to \(0.100\ \mathrm{dm^3}\) of \(\ce{NaBH4}\) solution with a concentration of \(1.0\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\) to supply the hydrogen gas at a rate of \(0.100\ \mathrm{dm^3\,min^{-1}}\) at \(25\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) and \(1.0\ \mathrm{atm}\), that is required for a portable fuel cell.

    4.2 For how many minutes will this system supply hydrogen gas at this rate?

    4.3 The Arrhenius activation energy for this catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride is \(E_{\mathrm a}=42.0\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\). Calculate the temperature required to achieve the same rate of hydrogen evolution by using a half of the amount of ruthenium catalyst used at \(25.0\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\).

    4.4 A fuel cell (see figure) is made up of three segments sandwiched together: the anode, the electrolyte, and the cathode. Hydrogen is used as fuel and oxygen as oxidant. Two chemical reactions occur at the interfaces of the three different segments:

    Figure 2
    Figure 3
    Figure 4

    The net result of the two reactions is

    Figure 5

    The hydrogen for the fuel cell is supplied from the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. Calculate the standard potential for the cathode half reaction if the standard reduction potential for the anode half reaction is \(-0.83\ \mathrm{V}\) and \(\Delta_{\mathrm f}G^\circ(\ce{H2O(l)})\) is \(-237\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\).

    4.5 Calculate the volume of air at a temperature of \(25\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) and a pressure of \(1.0\ \mathrm{atm}\) needed to generate a constant current of \(2.5\ \mathrm{A}\) for \(3.0\) hours in this fuel cell. Assume that air contains \(20\,\%\) by volume \(\ce{O2(g)}\).

    4.6 The efficiency of a fuel cell is given by the ratio of the work produced to the heat dissipated by the cell reaction. Thus, the maximum efficiency for a fuel cell is given by:

    \[ \eta_{\text{fuel cell}}=\frac{\text{work}}{\text{heat}} \]

    Calculate the maximum efficiency for the fuel cell using the data given below at \(25\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) and a standard pressure.

    \(S^\circ\ (\mathrm{J\,mol^{-1}\,K^{-1}})\)
    \(\ce{H2(g)}\) 130.7
    \(\ce{O2(g)}\) 205.2
    \(\ce{H2O(l)}\) 70.0

    The second law of thermodynamics states that it is impossible to convert all of the heat, \(q_{\mathrm H}\), from a high-temperature reservoir at \(T_{\mathrm H}\) into work. At least, some of the energy, \(q_{\mathrm C}\), must be transferred to a low-temperature reservoir at \(T_{\mathrm C}\). Thus, a heat engine with 100% efficiency is thermodynamically impossible. When the heat engine is working reversibly, as in a Carnot cycle, the efficiency will be a maximum.

    Figure 6

    For a heat engine working reversibly between two reservoirs the following relations are applied:

    \[ q_{\mathrm H}=w+q_{\mathrm C} \]

    and

    \[ \frac{q_{\mathrm H}}{T_{\mathrm H}} = \frac{q_{\mathrm C}}{T_{\mathrm C}} \]

    4.7 What should be the temperature of the hot reservoir, \(T_{\mathrm H}\), of a Carnot heat engine to maintain the efficiency of the fuel cell calculated in part 4.6, if the temperature of cold reservoir \(T_{\mathrm C}\) is \(40\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\)?

    (If you have been unable to calculate the value for the efficiency then use the value 0.80 for the calculation.)

    Official English text of the problem.

  5. Problem 5: Polynitrogen compounds

    Polynitrogen compounds have great potential for being used as high energy density materials. They are thermodynamically unstable. Huge amount of energy is released from their decomposition or reactions leading to more stable products. The only known polynitrogen species are \(\ce{N2}\), \(\ce{N3-}\) and \(\ce{N5+}\), isolated in 1772, 1890 and 1999, respectively, and recently reported cyclic anion, \(\ce{N5-}\).

    5.1 Write the Lewis structure for \(\ce{N5+}\) with three energetically favourable resonance forms. Indicate the lone pairs and formal charges. Draw the molecular geometry of \(\ce{N5+}\).

    5.2 Write the Lewis structures for cyclic \(\ce{N5-}\) with five energetically favourable resonance forms. Indicate the lone pairs and formal charges. Draw the molecular geometry of cyclic \(\ce{N5-}\).

    5.3 The synthesis of \(\ce{[N5+][AsF6-]}\), a white ionic solid, was achieved by reacting \(\ce{[N2F+][AsF6-]}\) with hydrazoic acid, \(\ce{HN3}\), in liquid \(\ce{HF}\) at \(-78\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\). Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction.

    The preparation of \(\ce{[N2F+][AsF6-]}\) requires the reaction of \(\ce{N2F2}\) with strong Lewis acid \(\ce{AsF5}\) as follows:

    Figure 1

    In the synthesis of \(\ce{N2F2}\), the trans isomer is formed which is thermodynamically less stable than cis-\(\ce{N2F2}\). However, conversion of trans-\(\ce{N2F2}\) to cis-\(\ce{N2F2}\) requires surmounting a high energy barrier of \(251\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\), so that equilibration between the cis and the trans isomers does not significantly take place without a suitable catalyst.

    When trans-\(\ce{N2F2}\) is maintained in a closed container for six days at room temperature in the presence of a small amount of \(\ce{SbF5}\) as a catalyst, cis-trans thermal equilibrium is established.

    Figure 2

    The standard enthalpies of formation of trans- and cis-\(\ce{N2F2}\) are 67.31 and \(62.03\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\), respectively, and their standard entropies at \(25\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) are 262.10 and \(266.50\ \mathrm{J\,K^{-1}\,mol^{-1}}\), respectively.

    5.4 Find the ratio of the number of cis-\(\ce{N2F2}\) molecules over that of the trans-\(\ce{N2F2}\) molecules in an equilibrium mixture at \(25\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\).

    5.5 Write the Lewis structures showing the geometry of \(\ce{N2F+}\) ion and those of trans- and cis-isomers of \(\ce{N2F2}\). Include all lone pairs and formal charges. Suggest an appropriate hybridization for each nitrogen atom in \(\ce{N2F2}\) and \(\ce{N2F+}\).

    Solid \(\ce{[N5+][AsF6-]}\) is marginally stable at room temperature but reacts explosively with water to produce arsenic pentafluoride, hydrogen fluoride, molecular nitrogen and oxygen.

    5.6 Write a balanced equation for the reaction between \(\ce{[N5+][AsF6-]}\) and water.

    Conversion of \(\ce{[N5+][SbF6-]}\) into other \(\ce{N5+}\) salts can be achieved by a metathesis reaction:

    Figure 3

    where \(\ce{M+} = \ce{Na+}, \ce{K+}, \ce{Cs+}\), and \(\ce{X-}\) = large anion such as \(\ce{SnF6^2-}\) and \(\ce{B(CF3)4-}\).

    Since \(\ce{[Cs+][SbF6-]}\) has a low solubility in anhydrous \(\ce{HF}\), and \(\ce{[K+][SbF6-]}\) has a low solubility in \(\ce{SO2}\), these two solvents were used extensively to carry out metathesis reactions at \(-78\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) and \(-64\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), respectively.

    5.7 Write the balanced equation for the preparation of \(\ce{[N5+]2[SnF6^2-]}\) and \(\ce{[N5+][B(CF3)4-]}\) in solution starting with \(\ce{[Cs+]2[SnF6^2-]}\) and \(\ce{[K+][B(CF3)4-]}\), respectively. Indicate the appropriate solvent.

    When \(\ce{[N5+]2[SnF6^2-]}\) decomposes under carefully controlled conditions at \(25\text{–}30\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), \(\ce{[N5+][SnF5-]}\) and \(\ce{N5F}\) are formed. The \(\ce{[N5+][SnF5-]}\) salt is a white solid and has a thermal stability comparable to that of \(\ce{[N5+][SbF6-]}\) (\(50\text{–}60\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\)). The solution \(\ce{^119Sn}\) NMR spectrum has shown that the \(\ce{SnF5-}\) anion in this compound is, in fact, a mixture of dimeric and tetrameric polyanions. In both of these polyanions the coordination number of Sn atom is 6 and there are bridging fluorine atoms.

    5.8 Draw the structures of dimeric and tetrameric polyanions.

    Official English text of the problem.

  6. Problem 6: Thiosulfate leaching of gold

    Extraction of gold using sodium cyanide, a very poisonous chemical, causes environmental problems and gives rise to serious public concern about the use of this so called “cyanide process”. Thiosulfate leaching of gold has been considered as an alternative. In this process, the main reagent is ammonium thiosulfate, \(\ce{(NH4)2S2O3}\), which is relatively non-toxic. Although this process appears to be environmentally benign, the chemistry involved is very complex and needs to be studied thoroughly. The solution used for leaching gold contains \(\ce{S2O3^2-}\), \(\ce{Cu^2+}\), \(\ce{NH3}\), and dissolved \(\ce{O2}\). The solution must have a pH greater than 8.5 to allow free ammonia to be present.

    According to the proposed mechanism, a local voltaic micro-cell is formed on the surface of gold particles during the leaching process and operates as follows:

    Figure 1

    6.1 Write the overall cell reaction for this voltaic cell.

    6.2 In the presence of ammonia \(\ce{[Cu(S2O3)3]^5-}\) is oxidized by \(\ce{O2}\) back to \(\ce{[Cu(NH3)4]^2+}\). Write a balanced equation for this oxidation-reduction reaction in basic solution.

    6.3 In this leaching process, the \(\ce{[Cu(NH3)4]^2+}\) complex ion functions as catalyst and speeds up the dissolution of gold. Write the net overall oxidation-reduction reaction for dissolution of the gold metal, which is catalyzed by \(\ce{[Cu(NH3)4]^2+}\) complex ion.

    6.4 Draw the coordination geometries of the metal in \(\ce{[Au(NH3)2]+}\) and \(\ce{[Au(S2O3)2]^3-}\) complex ions, indicating the coordinating atoms.

    The formation constants, \(K_f\), of \(\ce{[Au(NH3)2]+}\) and \(\ce{[Au(S2O3)2]^3-}\) complexes are \(1.00\cdot10^{26}\) and \(1.00\cdot10^{28}\), respectively. Consider a leaching solution in which the equilibrium concentrations of the species are as follows:

    \([\ce{S2O3^2-}]=0.100;\quad[\ce{NH3}]=0.100\) and the total concentration of gold(I) species = \(5.50\cdot10^{-5}\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\).

    6.5 Calculate the percentage of gold(I) ion that exists in the form of thiosulfate complex.

    When the concentration of \(\ce{O2}\) is not high enough and pH > 10, \(\ce{S2O3^2-}\) reduces \(\ce{[Cu(NH3)4]^2+}\) to \(\ce{[Cu(S2O3)3]^5-}\) with the formation of tetrathionate ion \(\ce{S4O6^2-}\):

    Figure 2

    In basic solution tetrathionate disproportionates to trithionate, \(\ce{S3O6^2-}\), and thiosulfate.

    6.6 Write a balanced equation for this disproportionation reaction.

    6.7 When the \(\ce{O2}\) concentration is too high, \(\ce{S2O3^2-}\) is oxidized by oxygen to yield trithionate and sulfate ions. Write a balanced equation for this reaction.

    Official English text of the problem.

  7. Problem 7: Synthesis of a carbasugar

    Carbohydrates are essential components of living cells and a source of energy for animals. They include simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances. When the ring oxygen (endocyclic oxygen) in sugars is replaced by a methylene group, the compounds formed are called as pseudosugars or carbasugars. Since carbasugars are hydrolytically stable towards acids and enzymes, several carbasugars have found application in the field of glycosidase inhibition.

    The total syntheses of two isomeric carbasugars having skeleton 1 are described below.

    Figure 1

    The total synthesis of 1 starts with a reduction of benzene by sodium in liquid ammonia to give A. The C-13 NMR spectrum of A consists of two signals at 124.0 and 26.0 ppm.

    Trichloroacetyl chloride in the presence of Zn gives a reactive species S (see the Scheme 7.1). One equivalent of S undergoes [2+2]cycloaddition with A to form a racemic product B. The reaction of B with Zn in acetic acid gives C. Compound C contains only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The C-13 NMR spectrum of C exhibits three \(\mathrm{sp^2}\) carbon signals at 210.0, 126.5 and 125.3 ppm.

    The reaction of C with one equivalent \(m\)-chloroperbenzoic acid (\(m\)-CPBA) in methylene chloride gives D as a major product. The C-13 NMR spectrum of D exhibits also three signals in the \(\mathrm{sp^2}\) region at 177.0, 125.8, 124.0 ppm.

    Figure 2

    \({}^{13}\mathrm{C}\)-NMR chemical shift ranges of typical functional groups

    Figure 3

    Scheme 7.1:

    7.1 Draw the structures of A, B, C, D, and the intermediate S.

    Reduction of D with \(\ce{LiAlH4}\) yields E which reacts with an excess of acetyl chloride in pyridine to give F (Scheme 7.2).

    Figure 4

    Scheme 7.2:

    7.2 Draw the structures (use one enantiomer) of E and F using dashed-wedged line notation. Assign the configurations (\(R\) or \(S\)) at the asymmetric carbon atoms in E.

    The compound F (use the drawn enantiomer) reacts with bromine to give the stereoisomers G₁ and G₂.

    7.3 Draw the structures of G₁and G₂ using dashed-wedged line notation.

    A mixture of G₁ and G₂ reacts with two equivalents of 1,8-diazabicyclo- [5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), which is a strong amine base, to afford H.

    7.4 Draw the structure of H using dashed-wedged line notation.

    Reaction of H with singlet oxygen (in situ generated) affords I. Although two isomers are theoretically possible, I is formed as the single isomer due to steric hindrance and electronic repulsion.

    The reaction of I with excess of \(\ce{LiAlH4}\) results in the formation of J (see the Scheme 7.3). The C-13 NMR spectrum of J shows 8 signals, two in the \(\mathrm{sp^2}\) region.

    Reaction of J with excess acetyl chloride in the presence of pyridine yields K. Subsequent reaction of K with \(\ce{OsO4}\) in the presence of 4-methylmorpholine 4-oxide (NMO) gives stereoisomers L and M. Upon reduction with excess \(\ce{LiAlH4}\), L and M give the stereoisomers 1a and 1b, respectively.

    Figure 5

    Scheme 7.3:

    7.5 Draw the structures of I, J, K, L, M, 1a, and 1b using dashed-wedged line notation.

    Official English text of the problem.

  8. Problem 8: Click chemistry

    Click chemistry is a chemical concept introduced by K. B. Sharpless in 2001 and describes a set of chemical reactions that generate substances quickly, reliably and quantitatively by joining molecules through small units under mild conditions. This methodology has recently been applied as a key step in the following synthesis of bicyclic compounds.

    Mandelic acid is a versatile natural compound and widely used as a “chiral pool” in synthesis. The reduction of \((R)\)-mandelic acid with \(\ce{LiBH4}\) affords A.

    Figure 1

    Reaction of A with one equivalent of \(p\)-toluenesulfonyl chloride gives B (Scheme 8.1). Heating B in pyridine yields C. During this transformation, compounds B and C retain their absolute configurations.

    Figure 2

    Scheme 8.1:

    Figure 3

    8.1 Draw the structures of B and C with the correct stereochemistry. Use dashed-wedged line notation throughout this problem.

    Reaction of C with sodium azide in aqueous acetonitrile gives a mixture of enantiopure regioisomers D and E in a ratio of 3 : 1 (Scheme 8.2). On the other hand, the compound B affords E as the sole product under the same condition.

    Figure 4

    Scheme 8.2:

    8.2 Draw the structures of D and E with the correct stereochemistry.

    Part I: Compounds D and E are separately subjected to \(\ce{NaH}\) mediated reaction with 3-bromoprop-1-yne to afford F and G, respectively (Scheme 8.3). Heating F and G separately in toluene gives the bicyclic products H and I, respectively.

    Figure 5

    Scheme 8.3:

    8.3 Draw the structure of compounds F, G, H and I with the correct stereochemistry.

    Part II: Reaction of D and E separately with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate in water at \(70\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) forms the optically active monocyclic regioisomers J and K, respectively (Scheme 8.4). Subsequent treatment of J and K with \(\ce{NaH}\) gives final bicyclic products L and M, respectively, both having the formula \(\ce{C13H11N3O4}\).

    Figure 6

    Scheme 8.4:

    8.4 Draw the structures of compounds J, K, L and M with the correct stereochemistry.

    Official English text of the problem.