General Instructions

In this activity, you will be given a series of questions. These questions will involve explaining reaction mechanisms that involve alcohols, explaining the stereochemistry of reactions, and discussing Markovnikov’s rule. The link to a chemistry drawing tool is provided; you should explore the features and familiarize yourself with the functions before starting the activity. Note that you are not required to share the structures or mechanisms you drew when sharing your responses.

Step 1 - Review

Review the material from this module, paying particular attention to the different mechanisms of alkene reactions, Markovnikov’s rule, and stereochemistry.

Step 2 - Respond

Answer the following questions:

1. Examine the reaction below and answer the questions
   

1. What is the name of this reaction?

2. What type of mechanism does this reaction follow? (SN1, SN2, E1, E2)

3. What are the names of the reactants and products?

4. Explain each step of the mechanism of this reaction.
   
   

2. Explain the mechanism of this reaction:
   
   You can practice drawing the mechanism in the chemistry tool.
   

3. Below are the first two steps of a reaction mechanism:
   

1. What reaction is this?

2. Explain what happens between the 2o and 3o carbocations. Why is this necessary? 

3. Complete the reaction by describing what happens in step 3 of the mechanism and include an explanation on the stability of the end product or products. You can practice drawing the mechanism in the chemistry tool.
   

4. The mechanism of the addition reaction on an alkene involves two steps. Look at the reaction below and answer the questions that follow.
   

1. Is the product shown the only product of this reaction? 

2. If there are multiple products, which is the major product and why? If there is only one product, explain why.

3. Are carbocations formed in this reaction?

4. Describe the mechanism of this reaction. You can practice drawing the mechanism in the chemistry tool.
   

5. Examine the reaction below. The second step of the mechanism is also provided. Explain the entire mechanism and be sure to mention the rules that may apply. You can practice drawing the mechanism in the chemistry tool.
   
   
   

6. Examine the reaction below.
   
   Explain the mechanism with reference to anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity.
   

Step 3: Share 

To share your work, click the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B.: references are excluded from word counts). Note that you do not need to share your drawings done in the Chemistry tool, but you can discuss them if needed.

Step 4: Interact 

To complete the activity, evaluate and categorize the work from one of your peers based on items A - E of the rubric below. Provide a rationale for your grade and comments or suggestions for improvement. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback, then click “Post to forum.” You can use the list below as an example:

Item A is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item B is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item C is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item D is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item E is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”