In a typical Diels–Alder reaction, which component acts as the dienophile?

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Multiple Choice

In a typical Diels–Alder reaction, which component acts as the dienophile?

In a Diels–Alder reaction, the dienophile is the partner that provides the two π electrons on an alkene (or alkyne) and is made electron-poor so it can accept electron density from the diene. The electron-poor π-system, often enhanced by electron-withdrawing groups, lowers the dienophile’s LUMO energy, making the interaction with the diene’s electron-rich HOMO favorable and allowing the concerted [4+2] cycloaddition to form the cyclohexene ring. The diene supplies the four π electrons and is electron-rich, while the solvent or catalyst aren’t the reacting π-system partners in the cycloaddition. So the component with the electron-poor π-system is the dienophile.

In a Diels–Alder reaction, the dienophile is the partner that provides the two π electrons on an alkene (or alkyne) and is made electron-poor so it can accept electron density from the diene. The electron-poor π-system, often enhanced by electron-withdrawing groups, lowers the dienophile’s LUMO energy, making the interaction with the diene’s electron-rich HOMO favorable and allowing the concerted [4+2] cycloaddition to form the cyclohexene ring. The diene supplies the four π electrons and is electron-rich, while the solvent or catalyst aren’t the reacting π-system partners in the cycloaddition. So the component with the electron-poor π-system is the dienophile.

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