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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Chemoselectivity and Regioselectivity?

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Chemoselectivity and regioselectivity are two different chemical concepts in organic chemistry. The key difference between them is:

  • Chemoselectivity refers to the preferential outcome of a chemical reaction among a set of possible alternative reactions. It involves the reactants preferring to react with one functional group over another in a substrate, even if more than one functional group is available to react.
  • Regioselectivity refers to the preference of a chemical bond formation or a chemical bond cleavage in a reaction. This concept is used when a reaction has two or more possible products, and the possible products are regioisomers (also called constitutional isomers).

In summary:

  • Chemoselectivity is about the reactants preferring one functional group over another in a substrate.
  • Regioselectivity is about the preference of a chemical bond formation or a chemical bond cleavage in a reaction with two or more possible products that are regioisomers.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Chemoselectivity and Regioselectivity?
  • Comparative Table: Chemoselectivity vs Regioselectivity

    • Comparative Table: Chemoselectivity vs Regioselectivity

    Here is a table comparing chemoselectivity and regioselectivity:

    Property Chemoselectivity Regioselectivity
    Definition Chemoselectivity refers to the preference of reactants for reacting with one functional group over another in a molecule. Regioselectivity refers to the preference of a chemical bond formation or a chemical bond cleavage within a single functional group.
    Focus The focus is on the specific functional group that the reactants prefer to react with. The focus is on the specific location within a single functional group where a reaction occurs.
    Relation to Other Selectivities Chemoselectivity can be related to stereoselectivity, which refers to the products of a reaction being stereoisomers. Regioselectivity can be related to stereoselectivity, which refers to the preference of a chemical bond formation in a specific location within a single functional group.
    Examples A reagent reacting preferentially with one functional group in a molecule containing multiple functional groups. A reaction occurring at a specific site within a single functional group, such as the Markovnikoff addition.

    In summary, chemoselectivity is about the preference of reactants for specific functional groups, while regioselectivity is about the preference of a chemical bond formation or cleavage at a specific location within a single functional group.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.