Diels-Alder Reaction (Butadiene + Ethylene)
C4H6 + C2H4 → C6H10
Overview
A conjugated diene (1,3-butadiene) reacts with a dienophile (ethylene) in a [4+2] cycloaddition to form cyclohexene. This pericyclic reaction proceeds through a concerted mechanism with no intermediates, forming two new carbon-carbon bonds and a six-membered ring simultaneously.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Ethylene C₂H₄ | 1 | (g) |
| Product | Cyclohexane C₆H₁₂ | 1 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Otto Diels and Kurt Alder won the 1950 Nobel Prize for discovering this reaction, which is taught in every organic chemistry course.
Industrial Importance
Diels-Alder reactions are used to synthesize steroids, terpenes, alkaloids, and many pharmaceutical intermediates with precise stereochemical control.
Properties
- Type
- Organic
- Reversible
- Yes
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -40.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde
Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia)
Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation
Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime)
Bromination of Ethylene
Buchwald-Hartwig Amination
Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene
Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate)
Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Diels-Alder Reaction (Butadiene + Ethylene)?
The balanced equation is: C₄H₆ + C₂H₄ → C₆H₁₀.
What type of reaction is Diels-Alder Reaction (Butadiene + Ethylene)?
Diels-Alder Reaction (Butadiene + Ethylene) is a organic reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Diels-Alder Reaction (Butadiene + Ethylene) exothermic or endothermic?
Diels-Alder Reaction (Butadiene + Ethylene) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -40.0 kJ/mol.