Pre-Lab Questions:
1. Write/Draw the balanced equations for each step in the synthesis of hexaphenylbenzene:
a. Benzoin condensation of benzaldehyde
b. Oxidation of benzoin to benzil
c. Aldol of benzil and 1,3-diphenylacetone
d. Bromination of (E)-stilbene with Br2
e. Dehydrohalogenation of meso-stilbene dibromide
f. Diels-Alder with tetraphenylcyclopentadienone and phenylacetylene
2. What is the volume of nitrogen expected in the oxidation of benzoin to benzil, if you started with 0.450 g benzoin?
3. Cyclopentadienone is unstable and rapidly undergoes the Diels-Alder reaction with itself. Write the reaction that occurs being sure to show the structures of the starting material and product clearly.