2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione

Definition

2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione is a cyclic organic compound with a 6-membered ring structure containing two carbonyl (C=O) functional groups at the 1 and 3 positions, as well as a methyl (CH3) substituent at the 2 position. This compound is an important intermediate in the Robinson Annulation Reaction, a key transformation in organic synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 2-Methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione is a cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compound that serves as a common starting material in the Robinson Annulation Reaction.
2. The presence of the methyl substituent at the 2-position provides steric hindrance and influences the stereochemistry of the final annulated product.
3. The Robinson Annulation Reaction using 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione allows for the construction of more complex carbocyclic and heterocyclic ring systems.
4. The carbonyl groups in 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione are susceptible to nucleophilic addition reactions, enabling further functionalization of the annulated product.
5. The cyclohexane ring in 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione can adopt various conformations, which can impact the stereochemical outcome of the Robinson Annulation Reaction.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione in the Robinson Annulation Reaction.
  • 2-Methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione is a key starting material in the Robinson Annulation Reaction. As a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound, it undergoes a condensation reaction with an $\alpha,\beta$-unsaturated carbonyl compound to form a new carbocyclic ring. The presence of the methyl substituent at the 2-position introduces steric hindrance, which can influence the stereochemistry of the final annulated product. The carbonyl groups in 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione are also susceptible to further functionalization, allowing for the construction of more complex molecular structures.
• Describe how the conformational flexibility of the cyclohexane ring in 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione can impact the stereochemical outcome of the Robinson Annulation Reaction.
  • The cyclohexane ring in 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione can adopt various conformations, such as the chair, boat, and twist-boat forms. The preferred conformation can be influenced by factors like substituent effects and steric interactions. The specific conformation of the cyclohexane ring in the starting material can impact the spatial arrangement of the reactive carbonyl groups, which in turn can affect the stereochemistry of the annulated product formed during the Robinson Annulation Reaction. Understanding the conformational flexibility of the cyclohexane ring is crucial for predicting and controlling the stereochemical outcome of the transformation.
• Analyze how the structural features of 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, such as the carbonyl groups and the methyl substituent, contribute to its reactivity and utility in organic synthesis.
  • The two carbonyl groups in 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione make it a highly reactive 1,3-dicarbonyl compound, enabling it to participate in the key condensation step of the Robinson Annulation Reaction. The carbonyl groups are susceptible to nucleophilic addition reactions, allowing for further functionalization of the annulated product. Additionally, the methyl substituent at the 2-position introduces steric hindrance, which can influence the stereochemistry of the final annulated compound. This steric effect, combined with the conformational flexibility of the cyclohexane ring, provides synthetic chemists with the ability to control and manipulate the stereochemical outcome of the Robinson Annulation Reaction, making 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione a valuable and versatile building block in organic synthesis.

Related terms

Robinson Annulation Reaction: The Robinson Annulation Reaction is a powerful method for the construction of cyclic compounds, particularly carbocyclic and heterocyclic rings, from acyclic precursors. It involves the condensation of a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound with an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound to form a new carbocyclic ring.

1,3-Dicarbonyl Compound: A 1,3-dicarbonyl compound is an organic molecule containing two carbonyl (C=O) functional groups separated by a single carbon atom. These compounds are key reactants in the Robinson Annulation Reaction.

α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compound: An α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound is an organic molecule containing a carbonyl group (C=O) conjugated to a carbon-carbon double bond. These compounds are the other key reactants in the Robinson Annulation Reaction.