Show how to prepare each compound from 1-phenyl-1-propanone. CCC(=O)c1ccccc1 (a) CC(Br)C(=O)c1ccccc1 (b) CCC(=O)c1cccc(Br)c1 1-Phenyl-1-propanone (racemic)

We need to prepare the following compounds from 1-phenyl-1-propanone: (a) CC(Br)C(=O)c1ccccc1 (b) CCC(=O)c1cccc(Br)c1 For compound (a), we need to substitute one of the hydrogen atoms on the alpha carbon (next to the carbonyl group) with a bromine atom. This can be achieved through an alpha-bromination reaction. For compound (b), we need to substitute one of the hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring of 1-phenyl-1-propanone with a bromine atom. This can be achieved through electrophilic aromatic substitution (bromination).

To prepare compound (a) from 1-phenyl-1-propanone, follow these steps: 1. Formation of enolate: Treat 1-phenyl-1-propanone with a strong base like potassium tert-butoxide (KOt-Bu) in anhydrous conditions. This should result in deprotonation of the alpha carbon and the formation of an enolate ion. 2. Addition of halogen: Add bromine (Br_2) to the reaction mixture. The enolate ion will act as a nucleophile and attack the bromine molecule, resulting in the substitution of an alpha hydrogen with a bromine atom. 3. Isolation of the product: Quench the reaction, then purify the product using techniques such as extraction or chromatography to obtain the desired compound (a), CC(Br)C(=O)c1ccccc1.

To prepare compound (b) from 1-phenyl-1-propanone, follow these steps: 1. Formation of bromonium ion: Mix bromine (Br_2) with a Lewis acid, such as aluminum bromide (AlBr_3). This will generate a bromonium ion which acts as the electrophile in the reaction. 2. Electrophilic aromatic substitution: Add a solution of 1-phenyl-1-propanone to the bromonium ion mixture. The benzene ring will act as a nucleophile, attacking the bromonium ion. This results in a substitution of a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring with a bromine atom. 3. Isolation of the product: Quench the reaction, then purify the product using techniques such as extraction or chromatography to obtain the desired compound (b), CCC(=O)c1cccc(Br)c1. By following these methods, compounds (a) and (b) can be prepared from 1-phenyl-1-propanone.