Topic 20.5: Reaction pathways

20.5.1 Deduce reaction pathways given the starting materials and the product

The IB requires you to know all the reaction in the diagram below

Halogenoalkane


--> Ethene

Hot Hydroxide in ethanoic acid

Hydrogen halide is released


--> Nitrile

SN2 reaction

Substitution reaction

Bromine is released


--> Amine

SN2 reaction

Substitution reaction

Bromine is released



Nitrile


--> Amine

+Hydrogen and nickel catalyst

Hydrogenation reaction



Carboxylic acid + alcohol

--> Ester

Warm sulphuric acid

redox reaction


Carboxylic acid + amine

--> Amide

Condensation polymerisation reaction