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CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Organic synthesis

Organic synthesis: compare question

Compare5 marksStandard

2-Hydroxypropanoic acid (lactic acid) contains both a carboxylic acid and a secondary alcohol functional group. Two different synthetic routes to this compound are described below.

Route 1 Step 1: Ethanal is treated with a mixture of potassium cyanide and dilute sulfuric acid. Step 2: The product of Step 1 is heated under reflux with dilute sulfuric acid.

Route 2 Step 1: 2-Chloropropanoic acid is heated with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Step 2: The resulting solution is acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Compare the two routes in terms of:

  • the types of reaction taking place in each step,
  • the reagents and conditions used,
  • the possible by-products of each step.
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