A researcher runs two separate, meticulously controlled experiments. In Experiment I, exactly 1 mole of pure -pentanol is reacted with in inert ether. In Experiment II, exactly 1 mole of pure -pentano

Question

A researcher runs two separate, meticulously controlled experiments. In Experiment I, exactly 1 mole of pure $(R)-2$ -pentanol is reacted with $SOCl_2$ in inert ether. In Experiment II, exactly 1 mole of pure $(R)-2$ -pentanol is reacted with $PCl_3$. Assuming 100% theoretical stereospecificity and perfect yield for both recognized reactions, what is the absolute total number of moles of $(S)-2$ -chloropentane that are successfully produced and isolated combined across both entire experiments?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 1. Let's evaluate the stereochemical outcome of each standard reaction. Experiment I: The reaction of an alcohol with in the absence of a base perfectly follows the mechanism, demanding complete retention of configuration. Thus, 1 mole of -pentanol uniquely yields 1 mole of -chloropentane ( moles of the -isomer). Experiment II: The reaction of an alcohol with perfectly follows the mechanism, demanding complete Walden inversion of configuration. Thus, 1 mole of -pentanol uniquely yields 1 mole of -chloropentane. Combining the experiments, exactly 1 total mole of the -isomer is produced.

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