Question

Which of the following statements about the Diels-Alder reaction are TRUE?

A.It is a reaction involving pi-electrons.
B.It is a [1+3] cycloaddition.
C.It is a stepwise reaction.
D.It is *not* a reaction favored by entropy considerations.
E.It is a photochemical reaction.

Answer 1

A.It is a reaction involving pi-electrons.

D.It is *not* a reaction favored by entropy considerations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Diels-Alder reaction is a [4+2]- cycloadition that involoves pi-electrons (4 from the diene and 2 from the dienophile).

The reaction is favored by the formation of new sigma bond, since they are more stable than pi-bonds. This reaction is not favored by entropy because there are 2 reactants and one product and the order increases.

The reaction happens in one step.