Problemset1a Answers
Problemset1a Answers
Muchall
UV Spectroscopy
1. (4 points) How do you explain the fact that max for compounds I and II are vastly different whereas those of III and IV are very similar?
I 204 nm 246
II
IV
I and II: II more or less planar, extended conjugation over both rings
III and IV: IV considerably twisted, conjugation only over one ring as in III; IV is just twice III
twist: 40
90
For these conjugation issues in acyclic molecules, it is always important to verify planarity or deviation from it. You might want to build the molecules to convince yourself of the twist!
2. (4.5 points) Predict whether UV-VIS spectroscopy can be used to distinguish between the following isomers. Estimate max (there may be more than one) for each. a) CH2=CHCH2CH=CHCH3 and CH3CH=CHCH=CHCH3
yes
175 nm
and
b) CH3COOCH2CH3
no
c)
205 nm
and
CH2CN
CH CN
yes
The yes here means can be used. Simply providing the numbers will not get you full points, because the question asks for an evaluation of those numbers (are the numbers different enough?).
3. (4 points) Can you distinguish between the following three isomeric acids by UV spectroscopy? Use the Woodward-Fieser rules to predict each max.
COOH
COOH
COOH
253 + 45 + 5 = 278 nm
4. (3 points) A diene C11H16 was thought to have the structure below. Its UV spectrum showed a max of 263 nm. Can the structure below be correct? If not, draw a structure with the same skeleton that satisfies the spectral data.
214 + 45 + 5 = 239 nm, too far off. Probably due to wrong base system: must be cisoid! 263 253 = 10 nm -> 25, 2 alkyl substituents: