Formation of alkynes through double elimination of vicinal dibromides
Description: Sodium amide will convert 1,2-dihalides (“vicinal dihalides”) into alkynes through two consecutive elimination reactions.
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Real-Life Examples:
Org. Synth. 1926, 6, 26
DOI Link:10.15227/orgsyn.006.0026
Org. Synth. 1922, 2, 67
DOI Link:10.15227/orgsyn.002.0067
Org. Synth. 1938, 18, 3
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.018.0003
Org. Synth. 1932, 12, 60
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.012.0060
Org. Synth. 1942, 22, 50
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.022.0050
Org. Synth. 1958, 38, 70
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.038.0070
Org. Synth. 1950, 30, 72
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.030.0072
Org. Synth. 1957, 37, 77
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.037.0077
Org. Synth. 1952, 32, 104
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.032.0104
Org. Synth. 1979, 59, 10
DOI Link: 10.15227/orgsyn.059.0010
Does this work the same way for Geminal Dihalides?
Yes it does!
Would this also work with geminal dihalides?
Yes, it should.
My course taught us that we need three molar equivalents of NaNH2 for this reaction, as it prevents the formation of the alkynyl salt.
True, for terminal alkynes. Once the alkyne is formed, it can then be deprotonated by NaNH2 in solution. For practical purposes, three equivalents for the formation of terminal alkynes is best.