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

For a Diels-Alder synthesis, we need a diene and a dienophile. In this case, compound II has a diene structure (two double bonds separated by one single bond) and compound III has a dienophile structure (a double bond conjugated with a carbonyl group). Therefore, the correct choice is C, which includes these two compounds.

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