1. Why is acceptable to use a mixture of the alpha and beta anomers of D-(+)-mannose in this reaction? (i.e. why isn't it necessary to use either a pure alpha or the pure beta anomer?
2. What is the role of ferric chloride?
3. Why was the potassium carbonate added during the isolation of the product?
4. Why was the bulk of the acetone boiled off prior to the extractions with dichloromethane?
5. Why is it important that the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature prior to the extractions with dichloromethane?