Reading a Total Synthesis as an Argument · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Reading a synthesis like an argument

Science · Chemistry · ages 23-24
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. How do you rebuild the plan behind a forward scheme?

    • Count the pages of supporting data
    • Read it backwards, cutting bonds to simple pieces
    • Memorise the yields in order

  2. What backs the claim of a published synthesis?

    • Yields, spectra, and comparison with earlier work
    • The fame of the authors alone
    • The number of pages printed

  3. A synthesis paper argues that its route was the right one.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. Where do you check a stereochemical claim?

    • Against the data in the supporting information
    • Against the beauty of the drawing
    • Against the cover of the journal

  5. A step only adds and removes a protecting group. How do you label it?

    • The strategic heart
    • A second product
    • A repair, not strategy

  6. Two halves built apart and joined late: what was the plan?

    • A random walk through reagents
    • Build halves separately, join late
    • One pot from the very start

  7. A student calls a protecting-group step the key strategy. What is wrong?

    • It only fixed trouble; it shaped nothing
    • Protecting groups are forbidden
    • Strategy must use exactly ten steps

  8. Your alternative cut adds two steps and risks yield. What do you state?

    • Nothing, and hide the cost
    • Only the cheerful news
    • The added steps and the risk, plainly
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Reading a synthesis like an argument W1-mt_Eu3Id8NMrH-s1

  1. Read it backwards, cutting bonds to simple pieces · Plans run backwards from target to starting pieces. Reading backwards reveals them.
  2. Yields, spectra, and comparison with earlier work · Numbers and proof carry the claim. Reputation alone carries nothing.
  3. True · Publication is a claim of a good route. Reading tests that claim.
  4. Against the data in the supporting information · Spectra witness the shape. Drawings only propose it.
  5. A repair, not strategy · It fixed trouble without shaping the route. Repairs serve strategy.
  6. Build halves separately, join late · Late joining of ready halves is the strategic heart. The scheme shows it.
  7. It only fixed trouble; it shaped nothing · Strategy shapes the route. Shielding only guards it.
  8. The added steps and the risk, plainly · Honest pricing makes the alternative arguable. Hidden costs void it.
Worksheet · LightMySky