🥼organic chemistry review

Sigmatropic reaction

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A sigmatropic reaction is a type of organic chemical reaction where a sigma bond (σ-bond) migrates across a conjugated pi-electron system in a single, concerted step. These reactions are characterized by their regio- and stereospecificity, occurring without the formation of intermediates.