How can you reverse ozonolysis?

1 Answer
Jun 5, 2017

With some difficulty.........

Explanation:

With some difficulty in that when ozonolysis is performed, typically we BREAK C=C bonds......i.e.

R_1R_2C=CR_3R_4stackrel(O_3)rarrR_2R_2C=O+O=CR_3R_4

And for the reverse reaction we have to perform a C-C coupling reaction, a notoriously difficult proposition in organic chemistry.

And thus from an olefin (for instance) ozonolysis gives 2 ketones whose identity could be established by the classical means of chemical analysis: melting points of derivatives. There are quite probably some modern means of organic synthesis that could couple two ketones (the "Mcmurry reaction", perhaps, which uses TiCl_4 and Zn), anyway you can look this up in your organic text.