09-30-01 20:34
No 218928
What is the difference between the cis and trans isomers of safrole other than them being structured different. Is one more potent than the other?
(Old P2P Cook)
09-30-01 21:43
No 218943
The better question might be - what is the difference in reactivity of the safrole cis and trans isomers during a Wacker oxidation. To which the answer would probably be - not much.
Cis and trans safrole both convert into exactly the same ketone. So once you have the ketone the difference is gone.
(Stranger)
09-30-01 22:15
No 218954
Actually I wasnt worried about reactivity. I was just wondering if use of a different isomer would yeild a better product in the long run. But since you brought it to my attention that it goes to the same ketone, I guess all I can say is nevermind.
(Distinctive Doe)
09-30-01 23:17
No 218964
Terbium
I think I saw a reference that said the reactivity of the cis was somewhere around 9 times faster than the trans. If I remember right it was for an epoxidation reation. Don't quote me on this because my memory is foggy and I have no idea where I read it.
Do Your Part To Win The War
(Old P2P Cook)
10-01-01 00:53
No 218981
Whoops, quite correct.
(Newbee)
10-01-01 12:09
No 219100
Foxy,
I think you're right about the rate being 9X faster for cis-isosafrole than trans-isosafrole. The cis- isomer is a bit less hindered for the peracid to approach the isosafrole molecule's double bond, so it should react more quickly. Epoxidations only goe through a single step, so no wierd chemistry in involved as far as I can see.