Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025

The Preparation and Properties of Thermo-reversibly Cross-linked Rubber Via Diels-Alder Chemistry
Published on: August 25, 2016
Understanding the intermolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition promotion: Activation strain model/energy decomposition
Lynda Merzoud1, Frédéric Guégan2, Henry Chermette1
1Institut des Sciences Analytiques, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
Abstract:
The present work reports the computational study of the major Diels-Alder reaction between 2-bromocycloalkenone and a variety of mono- and di-substituted dienes. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and subsequent activation strain model/energy decomposition analysis/conceptual DFT (C-DFT) analyses, the key factors governing the activation barriers heights, and thus reactivity, are characterized. In contrast with a previous study, steric effects do not appear to control reactivity. Conversely, in all presented cases, a subtle interplay between deformation and interaction energies is evidenced at transition states. In the end, neither term alone is enough to explain or predict reactivity. Yet a simple C-DFT descriptor allows to predict with a reasonable efficiency the activation barriers: the excitation energy needed to observe a charge transfer from the diene to the dienophile. Theoretical elements are provided to support the use of this descriptor.
More Related Videos
09:45Accessing Valuable Ligand Supports for Transition Metals: A Modified, Intermediate Scale Preparation of 1,2,3,4,5-Pentamethylcyclopentadiene
Published on: March 20, 2017
12:07Microwave-assisted Intramolecular Dehydrogenative Diels-Alder Reactions for the Synthesis of Functionalized Naphthalenes/Solvatochromic Dyes
Published on: April 1, 2013
Related Concept Videos
[4+2] Cycloaddition of Conjugated Dienes: Diels–Alder Reaction
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Thermal Activation
Cycloaddition Reactions: Overview
Diels–Alder Reaction Forming Cyclic Products: Stereochemistry
Diels–Alder vs Retro-Diels–Alder Reaction: Thermodynamic Factors
Diels–Alder Reaction: Characteristics of Dienes
Characteristics of the diene
Conformation
The simplest example of a diene is 1,3-butadiene, an acyclic conjugated π system. At room temperature, the molecule exists as a mixture of s-cis and s-trans conformers by virtue of rotation around the carbon–carbon single bond. Although the s-trans isomer is more stable,...