HVZ Organic Chemistry Reactions Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Hunsdiecker Reaction: A reaction involving the decarboxylation of carboxylic acids to produce alkyl halides.

• Carboxylic Acid: An organic compound containing a –COOH group.

Important Concepts

Hunsdiecker Reaction

• Converts carboxylic acids to alkyl halides.

• Involves decarboxylation and halogenation.

Reaction Mechanism

• Starts with the formation of an acyl halide.

• Followed by radical reaction with halogens.

Key Formulas

• R: Alkyl group

• X: Halogen (e.g., Cl, Br)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing the products of Hunsdiecker Reaction with those of other decarboxylation reactions.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "H-C-R" — Hunsdiecker, Carboxylic Acid, Radical — to remember the key components of the reaction.

Key Diagrams

   RCOOH + X2
       |
       v
   R-X + CO2 + HX