Which compounds could be used in a Diels-Alder synthesis of
A)I and III
B)I and IV
C)II and III
D)II and IV
E)I and II

Question

Which compounds could be used in a Diels-Alder synthesis of 
A)I and III 
B)I and IV 
C)II and III 
D)II and IV 
E)I and II

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Diels-Alder reaction involves a diene (a molecule with two double bonds) and a dienophile (a molecule with a double bond and an electron-withdrawing group). In this case, the compound 11eaa4bc_3dec_621a_9180_bf70ab2f7820_TB5902_00 has a diene structure, with two double bonds in its six-membered ring. Therefore, we need a dienophile with an electron-withdrawing group to react with it in a Diels-Alder reaction.

Option I (maleic anhydride) is a well-known dienophile that is frequently used in Diels-Alder reactions. It has two carbonyl groups that withdraw electrons from the double bond, making it an electrophilic dienophile.

Option III (acrolein) also has an electron-withdrawing group (the aldehyde group) that makes it a suitable dienophile for a Diels-Alder reaction with 11eaa4bc_3dec_621a_9180_bf70ab2f7820_TB5902_00.

Options II and IV are not suitable because they do not have electron-withdrawing groups, which are required for dienophiles in a Diels-Alder reaction. Option E is also not suitable because it contains two dienes, and there is no suitable dienophile provided.

Which Compounds Could Be Used in a Diels-Alder Synthesis of