We're going over the reactions involving Alkenes and Alkynes. However, I'm extremely confused I how to determine with solvent/solvents to use and also when already given the solvents with the reactants how this will effect the products. I studied the basic mechanisms for all the reactions, but when given quizzes in class the solvents aren't always the same or have more parts.

For example:
3 octanol plus 1. TsCl 2. KCN yields ?

1, 1, 2 trimethylcyvlohexane (excess) plus Br2, hv yields. ?

Like I said. I think being able to recognize the solvents in relation to with mechanism to follow is my biggest battle here, I don't even know where to look for this information.

Understanding which solvents to use in reactions, and how they affect the products, is an important aspect of organic chemistry. The choice of solvent can have a significant impact on the reaction outcome, including the selectivity and yield of the desired products. There are several factors to consider when selecting a solvent, such as polarity, reaction temperature, reactivity, solubility, and stability.

To determine the appropriate solvent for a reaction, you can consider the following guidelines:

1. Polarity: Consider the polarities of the reactants and products. Polar solvents, such as water or alcohols, are often used for reactions involving charged species (ions) or polar functional groups. Non-polar solvents, such as hexane or chloroform, are suitable for non-polar reactions.

2. Solubility: Check the solubility of the reactants and desired products in different solvents. Ideally, a solvent should dissolve all the reactants at the reaction temperature. A common practice is to choose a solvent in which all reactants and one product are soluble, allowing for efficient reaction and isolation of the product.

3. Reactivity: Consider the reactivity of the solvent with the reactants and products. Avoid solvent reactants that could interfere with the desired reaction or react with the products. For example, some solvents can react with strong acids or bases, affecting the reaction outcome.

4. Stability: Ensure that the solvent is stable under the reaction conditions. Some reactions involve high temperatures, strong acids/bases, or reactive intermediates, which may require solvents with good stability and inertness.

In your examples:

1. 3-octanol + 1. TsCl 2. KCN: In this case, you need to consider the reactivity and solubility requirements. TsCl (tosyl chloride) is usually reacted with alcohols in an organic solvent such as dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) or tetrahydrofuran (THF). KCN may require a polar solvent like water or alcohol. So, a suitable solvent could be a mixture of organic and polar solvent, such as a mixture of THF and water.

2. 1, 1, 2-trimethylcyclohexane + Br2, hv: This reaction involves the addition of elemental bromine (Br2) to an alkane. Since bromine is a non-polar reagent, non-polar solvents like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or chloroform (CHCl3) can be used.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and you should consult reliable references, such as textbooks or scientific literature, for specific reactions. Understanding the mechanisms and reactivity trends can also help you predict suitable solvents.

As you continue studying organic chemistry, familiarizing yourself with different solvents and their properties will become more intuitive, and you will gain confidence in selecting the appropriate solvent for a given reaction.