Which of the following pairs of compounds could be used as the basis for a Diels-Alder synthesis of the compound shown below?
A)I
B)II
C)III
D)IV

Question

Which of the following pairs of compounds could be used as the basis for a Diels-Alder synthesis of the compound shown below? 
A)I 
B)II 
C)III 
D)IV

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Diels-Alder reaction involves a diene (a compound with two double bonds) and a dienophile (a compound with a double bond and an electron-withdrawing group). Compound II is a diene with two double bonds, and compound IV is a dienophile with a double bond and a carbonyl group, which is an electron-withdrawing group. When they react through a Diels-Alder reaction, they can form the product shown in the question. Therefore, choice B is the best pair of compounds to use for a Diels-Alder synthesis of the product.

Which of the Following Pairs of Compounds Could Be Used