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Q7.13(ii):
Show how will you synthesise: cyclohexylmethanol using an alkyl halide by an ((S_{N}2)) reaction.

Solution :

1. Theoretical Foundation and Strategy

The synthesis of cyclohexylmethanol ($C_7H_{14}O$) from an alkyl halide via an $S_N2$ (Substitution Nucleophilic Bimolecular) mechanism requires the introduction of a hydroxymethyl group ($-CH_2OH$) onto a cyclohexane ring. To satisfy the requirement of an $S_N2$ reaction, we must utilize a primary alkyl halide and a nucleophile, followed by a functional group conversion.

Since the direct nucleophilic substitution of a cyclohexyl halide with a $-CH_2OH$ equivalent is not a standard one-step reaction, we employ the reaction of a Grignard reagent derived from a cyclohexyl halide with formaldehyde, or more directly, the nucleophilic substitution of chloromethylcyclohexane with a hydroxide ion. However, to strictly follow the prompt using a traditional alkyl halide approach, we proceed via the cyanide displacement route.

2. Step-by-Step Reaction Mechanism

Step 1: Nucleophilic Substitution ($S_N2$)

We begin with (chloromethyl)cyclohexane. We treat this primary alkyl halide with an aqueous or alcoholic solution of Sodium Cyanide ($NaCN$). The cyanide ion ($CN^-$) acts as a strong nucleophile and attacks the primary carbon in a single-step $S_N2$ mechanism [Per the kinetics of second-order nucleophilic substitution].

$C_6H_{11}CH_2Cl + CN^- \xrightarrow{S_N2} C_6H_{11}CH_2CN + Cl^-$

Step 2: Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis

The resulting nitrile ($C_6H_{11}CH_2CN$) is subjected to complete acid-catalyzed hydrolysis to yield cyclohexylacetic acid. Subsequent reduction is then required to reach the primary alcohol. To achieve the specific target cyclohexylmethanol directly from the alkyl halide, we utilize the formation of a Grignard reagent or direct displacement.

Refined Direct Synthesis:

1. Formation of Grignard Reagent: $C_6H_{11}CH_2Cl + Mg \xrightarrow{dry \ ether} C_6H_{11}CH_2MgCl$

2. Reaction with Formaldehyde: $C_6H_{11}CH_2MgCl + HCHO \rightarrow C_6H_{11}CH_2CH_2OMgCl$

3. Protonation: $C_6H_{11}CH_2CH_2OMgCl + H_2O/H^+ \rightarrow C_6H_{11}CH_2CH_2OH$

Correction for Target: If the target is strictly cyclohexylmethanol (where the $OH$ is attached to a $CH_2$ directly bonded to the cyclohexane ring), the precursor alkyl halide is (chloromethyl)cyclohexane. The $S_N2$ route is specifically as follows:

$C_6H_{11}CH_2Cl + OH^- \xrightarrow[S_N2]{H_2O/OH^-} C_6H_{11}CH_2OH + Cl^-$

3. Visual Representation of $S_N2$ Transition State

Nu: (OH⁻) [HO---CH₂—C₆H₁₁---Cl]⁻ Transition State C₆H₁₁CH₂OH + Cl⁻

4. Summary of Reaction Conditions

Reagent Condition Role
(Chloromethyl)cyclohexane Substrate Electrophile
$NaOH$ (aq) Nucleophile/Solvent Provides $OH^-$ for $S_N2$ attack

The mechanism proceeds via a backside attack of the $OH^-$ ion on the primary carbon atom of (chloromethyl)cyclohexane. The transition state involves a pentacoordinate carbon geometry [By the Walden Inversion Principle], resulting in the inversion of configuration and the displacement of the chloride leaving group.

Final Solution: Cyclohexylmethanol is synthesized by the reaction of (chloromethyl)cyclohexane with aqueous sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$) via an $S_N2$ mechanism: $C_6H_{11}CH_2Cl + OH^- \rightarrow C_6H_{11}CH_2OH + Cl^-$.


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