Identify A and B in the given chemical reaction sequence : [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
Answer
(2) [figure]
Solution
[figure]
A: Friedel–Crafts acylation of benzene by succinic anhydride (AlCl3); the anhydride ring opens to a keto acid
B: Clemmensen reduction converts only the ketone C=O to CH2 (–COOH unaffected) ⇒ 4-phenylbutanoic acid
With H : intramolecular Friedel–Crafts acylation (–H2O) closes the ring ⇒ the given cyclic ketone
Answer: (2)