Chapter 11, Problem 41P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The product of a Diels-Alder reaction between $\text{1,3-butadiene}$ and $\text{diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate}$ is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

>

Diels-Alder reaction is a concerted cycloaddition of an alkene, called a dienophile, to a (conjugated) diene.

>

Acetylene reacts in the same way as an alkene in a Diels-Alder reaction. One of its pi-bond pairs forms a bond with the end carbon of a diene.

>

The reaction requires that the diene must adopt an s-cis conformation, i.e., the two double bonds must be on the same side of the single bond separating them.