DIENOPHILE Meaning and
Definition
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Dienophile is a term that is primarily used in organic chemistry to describe a specific type of molecule or functional group that readily reacts with a diene in a chemical reaction known as a Diels-Alder reaction. This term is derived from the Greek words "diene" and "philein," which mean two double bonds and love, respectively.
A dienophile is typically an electron-deficient molecule that possesses a double or triple bond. These bonds, due to their electron deficiency, react favorably with the electron-rich diene, which contains two double bonds. The reaction between a diene and a dienophile involves the breaking and forming of new sigma and pi bonds, resulting in the formation of a six-membered ring structure known as the cycloadduct.
The dienophile serves as an electrophile in the reaction, meaning it acts as an electron acceptor. The reaction proceeds through a concerted mechanism, where electrons are both donated and accepted simultaneously. The dienophile generally has an electron-withdrawing group or functional group attached to enhance its electrophilicity and increase the reaction rate.
In Diels-Alder reactions, dienophiles are chosen based on their reactivity with specific dienes to produce the desired cycloadduct with favorable regio- and stereochemistry. This reactivity enables chemists to synthesize complex organic molecules with significant control over their structural features.
Overall, a dienophile is a reactive molecule that participates in a Diels-Alder reaction by accepting electrons from a diene, resulting in the formation of a cycloadduct.
Etymology of DIENOPHILE
The word "dienophile" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "dien" and "philos".
1. "Dien" comes from the Greek word "diene", which means a double bond consisting of two carbon atoms within an organic compound.
2. "Philos" is a Greek word meaning "loving" or "fond of".
When combined, "dienophile" translates to "a compound or molecule that is fond of, or attracted to, dienes". In organic chemistry, a dienophile refers to a molecule that reacts readily with a diene in a chemical reaction known as the Diels-Alder reaction.
