Stereochemistry of Bromine Addition to trans-Cinnamic Acid

In summary, the group determined their melting point to be 199 C, corresponding to (2R,2S) and (2S,3R) 2,3-dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid (mp 202-204 C). They were trying to determine whether this was a syn or an anti addition, and were unsure due to experimental error. The other product had a melting point of 98 C, but this was inconclusive. From looking at models, it appeared that there should be a 50/50 split between the syn and anti products, but this did not happen. This is because the single bond is stuck in a three-membered ring bromonium ion, and the ring
  • #1
nautica
We determined our melting point to be 199 C. Which would correspond to (2R,2S) and (2S,3R) 2,3-dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acid (mp 202-204 C) but we are trying to determine whether this is a syn or an anti addition.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Nautica
 
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  • #2
Which is the mp of the former? If it's not apparent which mp the measured is closer to than you have to say that it was inconclusive. You know it is anti based on the mechanism but you can tell that from this experiment.
 
  • #3
The other has a mp of 98 C. The melting points from 5 different experiments all came up between 197 and 198.

thanks
nautica
 
  • #4
Originally posted by nautica
The other has a mp of 98 C. The melting points from 5 different experiments all came up between 197 and 198.

thanks
nautica

Well if I had to pick a difference of 100 degrees or 4 degrees I'd go with the latter. That's acceptable experimental error.
 
  • #5
Yes, but from looking at the models I do not understand, why it is not a 50/50 attack from both sides of the double bond. And, was also thinking that it might be a 80/20 split between the 2.

thanks
nautica
 
  • #6
Originally posted by nautica
Yes, but from looking at the models I do not understand, why it is not a 50/50 attack from both sides of the double bond. And, was also thinking that it might be a 80/20 split between the 2.

thanks
nautica

I'm not sure I understand the question. You do get a 1:1 mix of the enantiomers, they have the same melting point. There's no way you would get a 80:20 mix because the cinnamic acid is achiral, the bromine can react initially to either face just fine.

The alternative to the anti (2S, 3R) and (2R, 3S) product would be the cis product (2S, 3S + ent.) and you would see any of that from this reaction.
 
  • #7
We got melting of the 200 C. So we know that it is either the syn or the anti addition.

The problem I am having is that after the double bond is broken the molecule is free to rotate, which should allow for a 50/50 split. This did not appear to happen, So maybe there is something in the solution that keeps the bond from rotating. I know that when the Br joines, it joins between the 2 carbons which would cause a trigonal planar situation, but when that is broke the bond should be free to rotate?

Nautica
 
  • #8
You stated earlier that the other option has a mp of 98. Or was that a typo? If so than you can't say anything based on mp.


When the double bond is broken the single bond is NOT free to rotate. It's stuck in the three membered ring bromonium ion, which is quite stable. The ring does not open until the bromide attacks on the opposite face. Bromine addition only gives the anti product.
 
  • #9
I agree, our melting poing is the 200 and that would be the product.

Based on this mp it would be the erythro pairs, which I thought was the syn version of this product.

Does the anti addition not result in the anti product?
 
  • #10
Originally posted by nautica
I agree, our melting poing is the 200 and that would be the product.

Based on this mp it would be the erythro pairs, which I thought was the syn version of this product.

Does the anti addition not result in the anti product?

No, the anti product is the erythro product. Remember that the starting material is trans, make the anti product model and then rotate the bond, you'll get the erythro product.

Yes, anti product = anti addition.
 
  • #11
That clears it up. I was confused by looking at the fisher projection with the Br's on one side.

Thanks
Nautica
 

1. What is the purpose of studying the stereochemistry of bromine addition to trans-cinnamic acid?

The purpose of studying the stereochemistry of bromine addition is to understand how bromine atoms attach to the trans-cinnamic acid molecule and how this affects the overall structure and properties of the compound. It also helps us understand the reactivity and selectivity of bromine in organic reactions.

2. How does bromine addition to trans-cinnamic acid occur?

Bromine addition to trans-cinnamic acid occurs through electrophilic addition, where the bromine atom attacks the double bond of the trans-cinnamic acid molecule. This results in the formation of a bromonium ion intermediate, which is then attacked by a nucleophile, leading to the final product.

3. What is the difference between syn-addition and anti-addition of bromine to trans-cinnamic acid?

Syn-addition refers to the addition of bromine to the same side of the double bond in trans-cinnamic acid, while anti-addition refers to the addition of bromine to opposite sides of the double bond. This results in different stereoisomers of the product, with syn-addition producing a meso compound and anti-addition producing a racemic mixture.

4. How does the stereochemistry of bromine addition affect the properties of trans-cinnamic acid?

The stereochemistry of bromine addition can affect the physical and chemical properties of trans-cinnamic acid. For example, the presence of a chiral center due to bromine addition can make the compound optically active, affecting its ability to rotate polarized light. It can also affect the melting point, solubility, and reactivity of the compound.

5. What factors can influence the stereochemistry of bromine addition to trans-cinnamic acid?

The stereochemistry of bromine addition can be influenced by various factors such as temperature, solvent, and the presence of other functional groups on the cinnamic acid molecule. Additionally, the stereochemistry can also be affected by the reactivity and orientation of the bromine species during the addition process.

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