Question

This synthesis of N-phenylmaleimide involved two discrete reaction steps. In both steps, C–N bond formation occurred by reaction of a nucleophile with an anhydride, an activated carbonyl electrophile. a) Draw the chemical structure of the nucleophile in Expt 24A and circle the nucleophilic atom. b) Draw the chemical structure of the nucleophile in Expt 24B and circle the nucleophilic atom. c) Which of the two C–N bond-forming steps, in 24A or 24B, was intramolecular? d) The first reaction (24A) occurred at room temperature, while the second reaction (24B) required heating. Explain the reason for this difference in reaction temperature.

Answer 1