Key Concepts—Oxidation and Reduction

Summary Terms that Describe Reaction Selectivity 

Syn addition of H2 occurs, forming a cis alkene (12.5B). The Lindlar catalyst is deactivated reaction stops after one equivalent of H2 has added. 

Anti addition of H2 occurs, forming a trans alkene (12.5C). 

CH3X and RCH2X react faster than a more substituted RX. 

In unsymmetrical epoxides, H (from LiAlH4) attacks at the less substituted carbon. 

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