Diels–Alder reaction

Definition

The Diels–Alder reaction is a chemical reaction between a conjugated diene and a substituted alkene, known as the dienophile, to form a cyclic compound. This reaction is stereospecific and produces a six-membered ring through a concerted mechanism without the formation of intermediates.

Related terms

Conjugated diene: A hydrocarbon with two double bonds separated by one single bond, which allows for delocalization of electrons across these multiple bonds.

Dienophile:

An alkene or alkyne with electron-withdrawing groups that participates in the Diels–Alder reaction by combining with a conjugated diene to form a cyclic compound.

Stereospecificity:

A property of certain chemical reactions where the stereochemistry of the reactant dictates the stereochemistry of the product without forming any isomeric products