Describe a process that could be used to synthesize 1-bromopropane from propan-2-ol. Show all relevant chemical reactions and name all reactants and products used

Answer 1

The first step is dehydration using H₂SO₄, Δ (Δ means heat).

The second step is anti-Markovnikov addition of HBr across the alkene formed in the first step.

This is usually done in the presence of heat or UV light (not indicated in the figure).

The presence of a peroxide reagent (ROOR) in the second step changes the mechanism

of the reaction so that it starts with addition of bromine radical (Br⋅) to the alkene.

Bromine radical is formed by reaction of alkoxy radical (RO⋅ from ROOR) with HBr:

RO⋅ + H–Br → RO–H + ⋅Br