a) Synthesize (3S,4R)-3,4-dibromo-1-cyclohexylpentane (and its enantiomer, since a racemic mixture will be formed) from ethyne, 1-chloro-2-cyclohexylethane, and bromomethane and any other reagents as necessary. (use ethyne, 1-chloro-2-cyclohexylethane, and bromomethane as the only sources of carbon atoms.) Start the problem by showing a retrosynthetic analysis. in the process, decide which atoms of the target molecule will come from which atoms of the starting reagents. Also bear in mind how the stereospecificity of the reactions you employ can be used to achieve the required stereochemical form of the final product.
(b) Explain why a racemic mixture of products results from this synthesis.
(c) How could the synthesis be modified to produce a racemic mixture of the (3R, 4R) and (3S, 4S) isomers instead?