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Diels-Alder Reaction

Diels-Alder Reaction (Pericyclic.) Converts C=CC=C.C=C to C1CC=CCC1 using Heat (or Lewis acid catalyst). Conditions: Heat or pressure. Stereochemistry: Syn addition on both components. Endo product kinetically favored..

Pericyclic

Reaction details

Name

Diels-Alder Reaction

Type

Pericyclic

Starting Material

C=CC=C.C=C

Product

C1CC=CCC1

Reagents
  • Heat (or Lewis acid catalyst)

Conditions

Heat or pressure

Mechanism
  1. Smiles

    C=CC=C

    Description

    Diene (1,3-butadiene) in s-cis conformation

  2. Smiles

    C=C

    Description

    Dienophile (ethene)

  3. Smiles

    C1CC=CCC1

    Description

    Cyclohexene (6-membered ring formed)

Stereochemistry

Syn addition on both components. Endo product kinetically favored.

Tips
  1. [4+2] cycloaddition - concerted, no intermediates

  2. Electron-rich diene + electron-poor dienophile = faster

  3. Diene must be in s-cis conformation

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