Hice la Fenil-acetona de Breaking Bad (P-2-P)

Summary

In this video, the host demonstrates how to synthesize phenylacetone using an alternative method to the one depicted in Breaking Bad. The process involves a series of chemical reactions, starting with aldol condensation between benzaldehyde and acetone, followed by a Baeyer-Villiger reaction using hydrogen peroxide, and ending with hydrolysis. The host emphasizes the neutral nature of chemistry and its potential applications, despite its association with illegal substances in popular media. The final product, phenylacetone, is purified and tested, with detailed steps shown throughout the synthesis process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Walter White, from Breaking Bad, synthesizes methamphetamine from phenylacetone using reductive amination, replacing pseudoephedrine for higher profits.
• 😀 The video explores a different method to synthesize phenylacetone using benzaldehyde and aldol condensation.
• 😀 Phenylacetone is an organic compound with a sweet, apple-like smell and is sometimes yellow due to impurities.
• 😀 The synthesis method in the video involves a reaction between benzaldehyde and 2-butanone (methyl ethyl ketone) using sulfuric acid as a catalyst.
• 😀 After completing the condensation reaction, the product is confirmed through a positive iodoform test, confirming the presence of a methyl ketone.
• 😀 The next step in the process involves a Bayer-Villiger reaction using hydrogen peroxide, which produces an ester.
• 😀 The ester is then hydrolyzed with sodium hydroxide to produce phenylacetone, which is purified through separation techniques.
• 😀 Despite using hydrogen peroxide instead of sodium perborate (as described in some sources), the synthesis achieves good yields and produces a strong-smelling compound.
• 😀 The synthesis process requires careful monitoring of temperature and reaction times, especially during the heating phase.
• 😀 Final confirmation of phenylacetone's identity is done through thin-layer chromatography and a positive iodoform test.
• 😀 The video concludes with the successful synthesis of phenylacetone, which is then purified to obtain a clear, colorless final product with a yield of 61.27%.

Q & A

What is the main chemical being synthesized in the video?

The main chemical being synthesized is phenylacetone, also known as phenyl-2-propanone. It is commonly used as a precursor for synthesizing methamphetamine.

What method does the video use to synthesize phenylacetone?

The video demonstrates a synthesis method starting with an aldol condensation reaction between benzaldehyde and acetone, followed by a Bayer-Villiger reaction, and finishing with a hydrolysis to produce phenylacetone.

Why does the video avoid using pseudoephedrine for the synthesis?

The video avoids pseudoephedrine because it is a common precursor in the illegal production of methamphetamine. The presenter uses an alternative method for ethical and legal reasons.

What is the role of sulfuric acid in the aldol condensation step?

Sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst in the aldol condensation, facilitating the reaction between benzaldehyde and acetone to form the desired product.

What is the significance of the Bayer-Villiger reaction in the synthesis process?

The Bayer-Villiger reaction helps to introduce an oxygen atom into the structure of the ester product formed from the aldol condensation, converting it into the final intermediate ester before hydrolysis.

Why is peroxides used in the Bayer-Villiger reaction?

Peroxides, like hydrogen peroxide, are used in the Bayer-Villiger reaction to oxidize the ketone to an ester, facilitating the next step in the synthesis of phenylacetone.

How does the reaction mixture change when the peroxidized ester is formed?

After adding hydrogen peroxide, the solution turns yellow due to the formation of the ester, indicating that the Bayer-Villiger reaction is progressing.

What is the purpose of the hydrolysis step in the process?

The hydrolysis step breaks down the ester into its final product, phenylacetone, by reacting it with sodium hydroxide. This removes the ester group and leaves behind the target compound.

What tests were used to confirm the identity of the synthesized compounds?

The identity of the compounds was confirmed using the iodine test (iodoform test) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The iodine test confirmed the presence of a methyl ketone, and TLC showed the purity of the compounds.

How much phenylacetone was produced, and what was the yield?

The final yield of phenylacetone was 1.274 grams, which corresponds to a yield of 61.27%. The yield indicates a moderate level of efficiency in the synthesis process.