Final answer:
The conversion of dimethyl maleate to dimethyl fumarate involves an isomerization reaction facilitated by conditions like heat or light, and possibly a catalyst, resulting in the formation of the trans isomer from the cis isomer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conversion of dimethyl maleate to dimethyl fumarate is an example of an isomerization reaction, specifically a geometrical isomerization where the cis isomer (dimethyl maleate) is converted to the trans isomer (dimethyl fumarate). While the prompt provided does not include a mechanism specifically for this reaction, it typically involves the use of conditions that promote the rotation around the double bond, such as heat or light in the presence of a catalyst which can induce the isomerization. Once the double bond has rotated to convert the cis-isomer to the more stable trans-isomer, the result is dimethyl fumarate.
One well-known process related to this transformation is the enzymatic reaction during the Kreb's cycle, where fumarate is hydrated to become L-malate by the enzyme fumarase, as mentioned in provided references. Although the enzymatic pathway is not identical to the non-biological isomerization of dimethyl maleate to dimethyl fumarate, the type of reaction is a related concept.