Final answer:
Diels-Alder reactions can proceed at low temperatures by minimizing the impact of entropy at such temperatures and using a catalyst to increase the reaction rate. High reactant pressures can also shift the equilibrium towards product formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Diels-Alder reaction is a chemical reaction between a conjugated diene and an alkene to form a six-membered cyclic compound. This reaction can proceed at low temperatures by minimizing the impact of entropy, which is lower at such temperatures. Furthermore, the use of a catalyst can help recover some of the rate of formation that is lost when operating at lower temperatures, thereby helping the reaction to reach equilibrium more rapidly.
Another strategy to facilitate the Diels-Alder reaction at low temperatures is the use of high pressures of reactants. This increases the concentration of reactants, shifting the equilibrium towards product formation. Additionally, it is worth noting that certain reactions, such as the functionalization mentioned, require a low temperature approach to ensure the stability of sensitive bonds during the reaction process.