chemsample-discussion2


 * Diels-Alder Reaction**

What do you think is the advantage(s) of Diels-Alder reaction in terms of synthesizing natural compounds?

Student A The Diels-Alder reaction is important because it synthesizes unsaturated carbon rings whose bonds can be substituted by a wide variety of substituents. The conditions for this process are relatively simple- heating two components in a non-polar solvent followed by evaporation. The yield is very high, which makes this reaction incredibly useful for industrial synthesis of organic compounds. (good [|link] about new ideas of the Diels-Alder mechanism)

Student B It is important because two new carbon-carbon bonds and a six-membered ring are formed in a single step. By using microwave heating, the reaction is complete in just a few minutes and can be performed without any solvent, but sometimes a solvent such as toluene is necessary.

Student C The advantage of Diels-Adler experiment is the product produced and the fact that it can go from a double bonded diol to then attaching to another carbon to form a ring. Double bonds are very strong and breaking them by adding heat to the reaction is inexpensive making it overall a useful reaction to know when trying to achieve these types of products.

Student D The Diels-Alder reaction is capable of forming a/many cyclohexene rings using very little energy (and doing so in a single concerted step). This is advantageous in any reaction because you can synthesize more compound per amount of energy input. Most bond breaking & forming reactions require a lot of energy to proceed; Diels-Alder does not however. The reaction also has a relatively high amount of yield, making it useful for any high production process.

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