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Updated: Jun 27, 2025

Microwave-assisted Intramolecular Dehydrogenative Diels-Alder Reactions for the Synthesis of Functionalized Naphthalenes/Solvatochromic Dyes
Published on: April 1, 2013
Molecular Dynamics Investigations of Dienolate [4 + 2] Reactions
Peng-Jui Chen1, Alexander Q Cusumano1, Kaylin N Flesch1
1The Warren and Katharine Schlinger Laboratory for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States.
Abstract:
We report quantum mechanics calculations and quasiclassical trajectory simulations of [4 + 2] reactions using three common dienolate substrates: siloxy dienes, Li dienolates, and conjugated Pd enolates. Asynchronous transition structures and unequal bond formation were invariably found, with average time gaps of developing bonds ranging from 26.5 to >251.0 fs. The results display a spectrum of dynamically concerted and stepwise [4 + 2] reactions, offering insights into the origin of the stereochemical outcomes of such reactions.
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