Question

Resolution of (+-)-a-phenylethylamine.

In the experiment , (+)tartaric acid and methanol were added to form (-)-a-phenylethylamine(+)tartrate salt and and (+)-a-phenylethylamine (+)tartrate salt.

The (-)-a-phenylethylamine (+)tartrate salt was in a crystal form due to large solubility difference of two diastereomeric salts. We have used the crystals, performed an extraction reaction using NaOH and dichloromethane and got a pure (-)-a-phenylethylamine.

a) What would be the outcome of this resolution experiment if (-)-tartaric acid was used as the resolving agent? Please explain your answer.

b) What would be the outcome of this resolution experiment if meso-tartaric acid was used as the resolving agent? Please explain your answer. (1 mark)

Answer 1