In organic chemistry, an electrocyclic reaction is a type of pericyclic rearrangement where the net result is one pi bond being converted into one sigma bond or vice-versa. These reactions are usually categorized by the following criteria:
- Reactions can be either photochemical or thermal.
- Reactions can be either ring-opening or ring-closing (electrocyclization).
- Depending on the type of reaction (photochemical or thermal) and the number of pi electrons, the reaction can happen through either a conrotatory and disrotatory mechanism.
- The type of rotation determines whether the cis or trans isomer of the product will be formed.
Read more about Electrocyclic Reaction: Classical Examples, Stereospecificity of Ring-closing Reactions, Stereospecificity of Ring-opening Reactions, Mechanism of Photochemical Reactions, Electrocyclic Reactions in Biological Systems, Electrocyclic Reactions in Organic Synthesis
Famous quotes containing the word reaction:
“Christianity was only a very strong and singularly well-timed Salvation Army movement that happened to receive help from an unusual and highly dramatic incident. It was a Puritan reaction in an age when, no doubt, a Puritan reaction was much wanted; but like all sudden violent reactions, it soon wanted reacting against.”
—Samuel Butler (1835–1902)