Propülaatsioon

Propülaatsioon is a term used in chemistry to describe the formation of a propylation product. Propylation is a chemical reaction where a propyl group, a three-carbon alkyl group (CH3CH2CH2-), is attached to a molecule. This process typically involves an electrophilic substitution reaction.

Common reagents used for propylation include propyl halides (like propyl chloride or propyl bromide) or alkenes such as propene. A Lewis acid catalyst, such as aluminum chloride (AlCl3) or iron(III) chloride (FeCl3), is often employed to activate the propylating agent, making it more electrophilic. The reaction mechanism involves the electrophilic attack of the propyl carbocation (or a polarized propylating agent) on a nucleophilic site of the substrate molecule.

Propylation is a significant reaction in organic synthesis. It is used to introduce a propyl chain into various organic compounds, altering their physical and chemical properties. For example, propylation can be used to increase the lipophilicity of a molecule, which can be important in the development of pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals. It can also be used to modify the reactivity or steric bulk of a molecule. The specific position of propylation on a substrate depends on the directing effects of existing substituents and the reaction conditions.