Glycolysis: Enolase
Consider the reaction in glycolysis, catalyzed by the enzyme enolase. a) Propose a reasonable mechanism for this enzymatic reaction, assuming it occurs in more than one step. Use B to denote a generic basic residue in the enzyme (don’t worry about specifics). What type of elimination is occurring here? b) Enolase uses Mg2+ ions. What […]
Epoxide opening
Consider the reactions below a) What is the name of the 3-membered ring functional group in the starting material? b) Provide a mechanism for the reaction to the right c) Provide a mechanism for the reaction to the left d) Explain why the regioselectivity is different for this reaction in acidic and basic conditions. e) […]
Intro to Fischer Esterification
MathSci Problems Intro to Fischer Esterification Consider the reaction below a) What is the name of the functional group formed in the product? b) An additional biproduct is formed in this reaction (not shown above). What is it? c) Provide a mechanism for this reaction d) The Fischer esterification is generally not very thermodynamically favourable, […]
Intro to Acetal Hydrolysis
MathSci Problems Intro to Acetal Hydrolysis Consider the reaction below a) What is the functional group in the starting material? b) Provide a mechanism for this reaction c) Why is H3O+ used as the proton source in the mechanism instead of H2SO4 directly? d) Could this hydrolysis reaction occur in basic conditions? Explain. Solution: a) […]
Intro to Imine Formation
MathSci Problems Intro to Imine Formation Consider the reaction below a) What is the name of the functional group formed in the product? b) Provide a mechanism for this reaction c) Although HCl is used as acid in this reaction, why isn’t it used as a direct proton source in the mechanism? d) What is […]
Intro to Aldol Condensation
MathSci Problems Intro to Aldol Condensation Consider the reaction below a) What is the name of this reaction? b) Provide a mechanism for this reaction c) What specific type of elimination is occurring in your mechanism from part b? d) Name a driving force for this reaction […]