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Diels-Alder reaction

chemical reaction
Also known as: Diels-Alder diene reaction, diene synthesis

Quick Summary

The Diels-Alder reaction is a chemical reaction used to synthesize cyclic organic compounds. Developed by German chemists Otto Diels and Kurt Alder, it earned them the 1950 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.12

The reaction involves a diene (a molecule with two alternating double bonds) and a dienophile (a molecule with a double or triple bond). These two components readily combine to form a six-membered ring compound. This method is valuable because it can be performed without harsh chemical reagents and has been used to create complex molecules like steroids and alkaloids. It is also important in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics.1342

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