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Multiple Choice
Given the following reaction: reacts with to form , what is the correct classification of this pericyclic reaction?
A
Sigmatropic rearrangement
B
Diels-Alder (a cycloaddition) reaction
C
Electrocyclic reaction
D
Ene reaction
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the reactants and products: 1,3-butadiene and ethene react to form cyclohexene, indicating a ring formation from conjugated diene and alkene.
Recall that a reaction forming a six-membered ring from a conjugated diene and an alkene is characteristic of a cycloaddition reaction, specifically a [4+2] cycloaddition.
Understand that the [4+2] cycloaddition involves 4 π electrons from the diene and 2 π electrons from the alkene (dienophile), combining in a concerted pericyclic process.
Recognize that this type of reaction is known as the Diels-Alder reaction, a classic example of a pericyclic reaction that forms cyclohexene derivatives.
Distinguish this from other pericyclic reactions: it is not a sigmatropic rearrangement (which involves shifts of σ bonds), not an electrocyclic reaction (which involves ring opening/closing of a single conjugated system), and not an ene reaction (which involves allylic hydrogen transfer).