AP Psychology
2 min read•Last Updated on May 7, 2024
Electrocyclic reactions are a fascinating type of pericyclic reaction where a single bond forms or breaks between the ends of a conjugated system. These reactions happen all at once, with bonds changing simultaneously, and can turn open-chain molecules into rings or vice versa.
The way these reactions unfold depends on the number of electrons involved and whether heat or light is used. This determines if the molecule's ends rotate in the same or opposite directions, leading to different 3D shapes in the final product.
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The term '4n' refers to a fundamental concept in organic chemistry known as the 4n rule, which is closely associated with electrocyclic reactions. It describes the relationship between the number of π electrons involved in a cyclic system and the predicted outcome of the reaction.
Term 1 of 29
The term '4n' refers to a fundamental concept in organic chemistry known as the 4n rule, which is closely associated with electrocyclic reactions. It describes the relationship between the number of π electrons involved in a cyclic system and the predicted outcome of the reaction.
Term 1 of 29
The term '4n' refers to a fundamental concept in organic chemistry known as the 4n rule, which is closely associated with electrocyclic reactions. It describes the relationship between the number of π electrons involved in a cyclic system and the predicted outcome of the reaction.