Question

(a) Describe the conformations of cyclohexanol. Comment on their stability
(b) How are the following conversions carried out?
(i) Salicylic acid$\to$ aspirin
(ii) Salicylic acid$\to$ methyl salicylate
(iii) Formic acid $\to$ formamide

Answer 1

(a) The conformations of cyclohexanol are as shown.
(b) Conversions carried out
(i) Salicylic acid is treated with excess acetic anhydride (in presence of an acid catalyst such as phosphoric acid) to form aspirin
(ii) Salicylic acid reacts with methanol in presence of an acid catalyst to form methyl salicylate.
(iii) Formic acid reacts with ammonia to form ammonium formate which on heating gives formamide.
$HCOOH+N{H}_3\to HCOON{H}_4$
$HCOON{H}_4\to HCON{H}_2+H_{2}O$