Organic Chemistry : Help with Carboxylation and Decarboxylation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Organic Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #662 : Organic Chemistry

What is the product of the following reaction?

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Possible Answers:

\displaystyle II

\displaystyle II and \displaystyle III

\displaystyle I

\displaystyle III

Correct answer:

\displaystyle III

Explanation:

The reaction uses a Grignard reagent's nucleophilic carbon to attack the carbon in carbon dioxide. Following treatment with water the resulting molecule (a carboxylate anion, of the form \displaystyle RCOO^-) the carboxylate oxygen will be protonated, and the result is a carboxylic acid. Thus, the resulting molecule is a benzene ring with a carboxyl group attached (this is also known as benzoic acid).

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