Question

during the preparation of acetenoide derivative from hydrobenzoin what is the purpose of 3M potassium carbonate in the separatory funnel

Answer 1

The purpose of 3M potassium carbonate in the separatory funnel is used to

•To reduce benzil to hydrobenzoin (phase one) and analyze/verify the product; thensynthesize stilbenediol acetonide from that hydrobenzoin (phase two) andanalyze/verify that product.

•Phase One: Benzil to Hydrobenzoin (1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diol)

*We will reduce benzil (in ethanol) with sodium borohydride, to producehydrobenzoin (1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diol). The solution will be filtered (if necessary), then set aside to crystallize.

•Phase Two: Hydrobenzoin to Stilbenediol acetonide (2,2-dimethyl-1,5-dioxolane)

*We will take the hydrobenzoin produced in phase one, dissolve it in acetone(acetone is solvent and reactant) and add iron (III) chloride as a catalyst. We willheat the solution to form the stilbenediol acetonide. The solution will be pouredinto water (that contains a base that will react with the acid) and the product will be extracted with dichloromethane. The product will be crystallized in hexane andcooled, collected, and dried.