The Universal Mass Function and its Applicability to Organic Molecules
Abstract
The ability to predict the yield when synthesizing an organic molecule is a challenging issue in organic chemistry and a major obstacle when planning a multi-step organic synthesis. It would be beneficial to predict the yield of the product such that the most time, money, and waste-efficient method can be used. The Universal Mass Function (UMF) states that cosmic objects on all scales are in direct relation to each other. It shows that massive objects are much rarer than objects with lower masses. The following research aims to examine if the UMF theory is applicable to the field of organic chemistry, specifically to the yield prediction. The primary reaction chosen for this research was the substitution reaction of alcohol to different derivatives of alkyl halides in protic environment. For that reaction, due to the widely known reactivity of the molecules in protic environment, we expect to observe results that are opposite of that which support the UMF. Due to the known reactivity of the molecules, the largest halide is expected to have the largest yield based off nucleophilic properties. However, preliminary results contradicted this and supported the UMF theory as we received higher yields from alkyl halides derivatives with lower molecular weights. Ratification of the Universal Mass Function on small-scale molecules is significant since in addition to helping overcome a major problem in the field of organic chemistry. It would make a huge impact on the pharmaceutical industry by enabling the prediction of the most efficient drug synthesis.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Carmit Alexenberg
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
The Universal Mass Function and its Applicability to Organic Molecules
Alvin Sherman Library
The ability to predict the yield when synthesizing an organic molecule is a challenging issue in organic chemistry and a major obstacle when planning a multi-step organic synthesis. It would be beneficial to predict the yield of the product such that the most time, money, and waste-efficient method can be used. The Universal Mass Function (UMF) states that cosmic objects on all scales are in direct relation to each other. It shows that massive objects are much rarer than objects with lower masses. The following research aims to examine if the UMF theory is applicable to the field of organic chemistry, specifically to the yield prediction. The primary reaction chosen for this research was the substitution reaction of alcohol to different derivatives of alkyl halides in protic environment. For that reaction, due to the widely known reactivity of the molecules in protic environment, we expect to observe results that are opposite of that which support the UMF. Due to the known reactivity of the molecules, the largest halide is expected to have the largest yield based off nucleophilic properties. However, preliminary results contradicted this and supported the UMF theory as we received higher yields from alkyl halides derivatives with lower molecular weights. Ratification of the Universal Mass Function on small-scale molecules is significant since in addition to helping overcome a major problem in the field of organic chemistry. It would make a huge impact on the pharmaceutical industry by enabling the prediction of the most efficient drug synthesis.
