Question

Why do conjugated dienes undergo 1, 4−additions? Explain.

Answer 1

A diene is a covalent molecule in organic chemistry that has two double bonds, commonly between carbon atoms. They have two alkene units and the conventional systematic naming prefix di. Dienes are found in both natural and manufactured substances and are employed in organic synthesis as a component of larger compounds. In the polymer industry, conjugated dienes are commonly employed as monomers. Nutritionists are interested in polyunsaturated fats.

Complete answer:
Conjugated dienes react differently with electrophilic reagents than unconjugated dienes, in addition to being more stable. Electrophilic addition is possible for dienes, as it is for all alkenes. A double (or triple) bond combines with an electrophile to form a carbocation (or similar cationic intermediate) that subsequently interacts with a nucleophile in electrophilic addition. The reaction creates two bonds in the nucleophile while breaking two bonds in the nucleophile. Conjugated dienes, on the other hand, undergo either 1,2 or 1,4 additions in electrophilic addition processes. The temperature at which these electrophilic addition processes are carried out determines the major product produced. The reaction mixture will largely consist of the 1,4-addition product if the reaction mixture is allowed to warm or if the initial reaction is done at a warmer temperature (40 degree Celcius). The process is under thermodynamic control at this temperature. A condition in which the reaction to generate products is reversible and the product ratio is governed by relative thermodynamic stabilities is known as thermodynamic control.

Note:
Dehydrohalogenation and condensations, for example, are more focused and sensitive processes used in the laboratory. The Whiting reaction is one of several ways that have been devised. The oligomerization and dimerization of conjugated dienes give rise to non conjugated dienes. Dimerization of 1,3-butadiene produces 1,5-cyclooctadiene and vinylcyclohexene, for example.