Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the Diels-Alder reaction is incorrect?
A
It is a [4+2] cycloaddition reaction.
B
It requires a radical initiator to proceed.
C
It involves the formation of a six-membered ring.
D
It is stereospecific, preserving the stereochemistry of the dienophile.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the nature of the Diels-Alder reaction: It is a [4+2] cycloaddition reaction, meaning it involves the reaction of a conjugated diene (4 π-electrons) with a dienophile (2 π-electrons) to form a six-membered ring.
Understand the mechanism: The Diels-Alder reaction is a concerted pericyclic reaction, which means it occurs in a single step without intermediates, and does not require a radical initiator.
Examine the stereochemistry: The reaction is stereospecific, meaning the stereochemistry of the dienophile is preserved in the product. This is due to the concerted nature of the reaction.
Consider the product formation: The reaction typically results in the formation of a six-membered ring, which is a key feature of the Diels-Alder reaction.
Evaluate the given statements: Compare each statement with the known characteristics of the Diels-Alder reaction to determine which one is incorrect. The statement about requiring a radical initiator is incorrect, as the reaction does not involve radicals.