The ability to predict the yield when synthesizing an organic molecule is a challenging issue in organic chemistry and a major obstacle when planning a multi-step organic synthesis. To choose the most time, money, and waste-efficient way it will be beneficial to be able to predict the yield of the product. The Universal Mass Function (UMF) states that cosmic objects on all scales are in direct relation to each other. It shows that massive objects are much rarer than objects with lower masses. The following research aims to examine if the UMF theory is applicable to the field of organic chemistry, specifically to the ability to predict the yield of a reaction. The primary reaction chosen for this research to examine that assumption was the substitution reaction of alcohol to different derivatives of alkyl halides in protic environment. For that reaction, due to the widely known reactivity of the molecules in protic environments, expected results are opposite of that which support the UMF. Our primary results supported the UMF theory; a higher yield was received from the alkyl halide derivative that weighed less. This was as expected based on the reactivity of the molecules. Ratification of the Universal Mass Function on small-scale molecules is significant; in addition to helping overcome a major problem in the field of organic chemistry, it would make a huge impact on the pharmaceutical industry by enabling the prediction of the most efficient drug synthesis.

Universal mass function and its applicability to organic chemistry

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