Multistep synthesis scheme template

Scheme 1: benzocaine (4) from 4-nitrotoluene (1) in three steps, with numbered compounds, reagents above and conditions below each arrow, example yields, and the same route with lettered steps and conditions in the caption.

What the template shows

• Numbered compounds, conditions on the arrows and yields: the layout journals expect
• Conditions on the arrows
• Synthesis of Benzocaine (4) from 4-Nitrotoluene (1)
• Yields are example values (isolated yields after purification would go here).
• Lettered steps, conditions in the caption
• Synthesis of Benzocaine (4)ᵃ
• ᵃ Reagents and conditions: (a) KMnO₄, NaOH, H₂O, reflux, 4 h, then H₃O⁺, 78%; (b) EtOH, H₂SO₄ (cat.), reflux, 16 h, 85%; (c) H₂ (1 atm), 10% Pd/C, EtOH, rt, 4 h, 95%. Yields: example data.
• Number every compound in bold (1, 2, 3 …) in the order it first appears; cite it as “ester 3”.
• Reagents go above the arrow, solvent, temperature and time below; give the isolated yield for each step.
• For long routes, letter the arrows (a, b, c) and list the conditions in the caption: it keeps the scheme compact.
• Caption above the scheme in ACS style: “Scheme 1. Synthesis of …”.
• Use one bond length and font for every structure (ACS 1996 document settings: 0.508 cm bonds, 10 pt Arial).
• Typical textbook conditions; yields are example data · every part of this figure is editable

Drawn with 96 atoms, 6 arrows, 3 shapes – every one editable in MolDraw.

Sources

• Coghill & Garson, The ACS Style Guide, 3rd ed., ACS/OUP 2006 Textbook
• Clayden, Greeves & Warren, Organic Chemistry, 2nd ed., OUP 2012 Textbook