Ozonolysis of Alkenes

R₂C=CR₂ + O₃ → R₂C=O + R₂C=O

Overview

Ozone cleaves carbon-carbon double bonds to form carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and/or ketones). The reaction proceeds through a molozonide intermediate that rearranges to an ozonide, which is then reduced. Ozonolysis is used to determine alkene double bond positions by identifying the carbonyl fragments.

Everyday Example

Ozonolysis is used in forensic chemistry to determine the structure of unknown alkenes by analyzing the fragments produced.

Industrial Importance

Ozonolysis of oleic acid produces azelaic acid (for polymer synthesis) and pelargonic acid (herbicide). It is used in pharmaceutical synthesis.

Properties

Type: Organic
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -300.0 kJ/mol
Catalyst: Zn/AcOH or Me₂S (reductive workup)

Related Reactions

Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Bromination of Ethylene Buchwald-Hartwig Amination Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Ozonolysis of Alkenes?

The balanced equation is: R₂C=CR₂ + O₃ → R₂C=O + R₂C=O.

What type of reaction is Ozonolysis of Alkenes?

Ozonolysis of Alkenes is a organic reaction.

Is Ozonolysis of Alkenes exothermic or endothermic?

Ozonolysis of Alkenes is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -300.0 kJ/mol.

What conditions are needed for Ozonolysis of Alkenes?

This reaction requires a catalyst (Zn/AcOH or Me₂S (reductive workup)).