Why Is the Following Not a Good Two Step Route

question 14

Multiple Choice

Why is the following not a good two step route for the preparation of pure L-alanine?

• A) The bromination is not selective (the CH₃ and CH₂ groups are both brominated).
• B) Ammonia is not sufficiently nucleophillic to react with a secondary bromide.
• C) Only the CH₃ group is brominated.
• D) The product will be racemic.
• E) Propanamide would be the major product.

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Definitions:

Carbon-Hydrogen Bond

A chemical bond between carbon and hydrogen atoms, foundational to organic molecules.

Ethane

A simple alkane with two carbon atoms, used as a precursor in the production of ethylene for plastics and other chemical products.

Nonpolar

Describes molecules that do not have a separation of electric charge, leading to a lack of electric poles and evenly distributed electrical charges.

Lewis Structures

Diagrams that show the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule, illustrating the valence electron arrangements.