Chapter 8: Problem 71
Hydroxylation of \(c i s-2\) -butene with \(\mathrm{O} \mathrm{s} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) yields a different product than hydroxylation of trans-2-butene. Draw the structure, show the stereochemistry of each product, and explain the difference between them.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Cis-2-butene forms a meso compound; trans-2-butene forms a racemic mixture.
Step by step solution
01
Draw the Reactants
Firstly, we need to identify the structure of cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene. - **Cis-2-butene**: Both methyl groups are on the same side of the double bond. The structure can be represented as: \[ \text{H}_3\text{C} - \text{CH} = \text{CH} - \text{CH}_3 \] - **Trans-2-butene**: The methyl groups are on opposite sides of the double bond: \[ \text{CH}_3 \;/ = \backslash; \text{H} \backslash;/ = \;/ \text{H} \;/ = \backslash; \text{CH}_3 \]
02
Understand the Reaction
Both cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene undergo hydroxylation reactions with osmium tetroxide (\(\text{OsO}_4\)). This reaction adds two hydroxyl groups (\(OH\)) across the double bond in a syn-addition configuration, meaning both \(OH\) groups are added to the same side of the double bond.
03
Draw the Products for Cis-2-butene
For cis-2-butene:- Both \(OH\) groups are added on the same side, forming a meso-compound. - The structure of the product is as follows, where both \(OH\) groups are on the same face of the molecule: \[ \begin{array}{c} \text{H}_3\text{C} - \text{CH} \begin{array}{c} | \hspace{-0.6em}/ \hspace{-0.6em} \backslash| \hspace{0.3em} \text{OH}\ \backslash|\hspace{-0.6em} | \hspace{-0.6em}/ \text{OH} \hspace{0.3em} \text{CH}_3 \end{array} \end{array} \]
04
Draw the Products for Trans-2-butene
For trans-2-butene:- The hydroxyl groups are added to the same side of the alkene carbon atoms, forming (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol. - The structure of the product is as follows, the \(OH\) groups being syn to each other: \[ \begin{array}{c} \text{CH}_3 - \text{CH} \begin{array}{c} | \hspace{-0.6em}/ \hspace{-0.6em} \backslash| \hspace{0.3em} \text{OH}\ \backslash|\hspace{-0.6em} | \hspace{-0.6em}/ \text{OH} \hspace{0.3em} \text{CH}_3 \end{array} \end{array} \]
05
Explain the Stereochemical Difference
- **Cis-2-butene** results in a meso compound because the addition of the \(OH\) groups maintains symmetry, thus creating no new stereocenters.- **Trans-2-butene**, on the other hand, results in a pair of enantiomers or a racemic mixture. This is because the addition of the \(OH\) groups creates chiral centers.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
cis-2-butene
Cis-2-butene is an isomer of 2-butene. In this form, both methyl groups (CH₃) are positioned on the same side of the double bond. The presence of these groups on the same side lends the molecule unique properties.
- In chemistry, the term "cis" indicates that similar groups in a molecule are on the same side.
- This isomeric form means that when reactions occur, like hydroxylation, stereochemistry—how atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space—is an important consideration.
trans-2-butene
Trans-2-butene is the geometric isomer of 2-butene where the methyl groups are on opposite sides of the double bond. This opposite arrangement leads to different chemical behavior compared to cis-2-butene.
- The term "trans" denotes that similar groups are across from each other, or on opposite sides.
- The trans configuration often leads to a more stretched-out and less compact molecular shape, which influences physical properties like boiling and melting points.
syn-addition reaction
A syn-addition reaction involves the addition of two substituents to the same side of the double bond in a molecule. This type of reaction is crucial in organic chemistry as it impacts the three-dimensional conformation of molecules.
- In the case of cis and trans-2-butene with osmium tetroxide, a syn-addition reaction leads to the addition of hydroxyl groups (OH) to the same side of the molecule.
- This can control the formation of chiral centers, thus influencing whether the final product will be a meso compound or a racemic mixture.
osmium tetroxide
Osmium tetroxide (\(\text{OsO}_4\)) is a powerful oxidizing agent commonly used in organic chemistry for dihydroxylation reactions. It adds two hydroxyl groups to alkene bonds, facilitating syn-addition.
- When it reacts with alkenes like 2-butene, \(\text{OsO}_4\) does so in a manner that dictates the spatial arrangement of the added groups.
- The reagent is highly effective for creating vicinal diols, where two hydroxyl groups are attached to adjacent carbon atoms.
meso-compound
A meso-compound is a molecule with multiple stereocenters that is superimposable on its mirror image. Essentially, it's an achiral compound despite having stereocenters.
- In the hydroxylation of cis-2-butene, the result is a meso compound because the hydroxyl groups add symmetrically across the molecule.
- This symmetry removes the potential for chirality, as the molecules can be folded upon itself without discrepancies.
racemic mixture
A racemic mixture is a 50:50 blend of two enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other but are not superimposable. This is a common outcome in reactions that produce chiral centers.
- For trans-2-butene, when undergoing hydroxylation, the resulting compound is a racemic mixture.
- This mixture arises because the reaction creates new stereocenters, leading to an equal mix of both enantiomers (2R,3R and 2S,3S configuration).