Bluffton University

CEM 311
Advanced Organic Chemistry

Endo vs. Exo geometry in the Diels-Alder Reaction

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These examples include both MO diagrams and online molecular models.

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The overall Diels-Alder reaction between maleic anhydride and cyclopentadiene:
The starting materials:
However, there are two possible products: endo and exo:
Endo product: Exo product:
Endo and exo addition require different approach and transition state geometries:
Endo approach Exo approach

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Copyright © 2001 by Daniel J. Berger. This work may be copied without limit if its use is to be for non-profit educational purposes. Such copies may be by any method, present or future. The author requests only that this statement accompany all such copies. All rights to publication for profit are retained by the author.