The Diels-Alder reaction mechanism was first reported in 1928 and in the last 70 years has become one of the most commonly used and studied methodologies in organic chemistry. The reaction, which involves the addition of a diene to an alkene to form a six-membered ring, is particularly important in the synthesis of compounds of practical interest such as drugs, dyes, polymers, fragrances, agrochemicals and fine chemicals. The experimental procedure is very simple with generally good yields and minor side reactions. The use of organic solvents is not always necessary - an important factor when considering greener synthetic options. This book focuses on practice, describing procedures and techniques and as well as reporting on industrial applications. Graphical illustration presents the concepts in a clear and concise format, covering procedures and techniques employed to realize selective and clean syntheses based on the Diels-Alder methodology.

Key features:

• The first book to focus on practice, describing procedures and techniques used to carry out the Diels-Alder reaction.
• Describes a large variety of applications.
• Physical and catalytic methods to enhance selectivity of the Diels-Alder reaction are described.
• Includes practical procedures for Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions accomplished in conventional and non-conventional media.
• Draws attention to the potential for clean syntheses and green chemistry.
• Contains approximately 1000 references and a keyword index to facilitate the literature search.
• Summarizes the relevant literature of the last ten years.

Dealing with the intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction, this book focuses on one of the reactants, the diene. The first chapter deals with the fundamental principles of the reaction. The remaining five chapters describe the salient features of the different classes of dienes and report a great deal of tabulated data and literary references. In the tables, the dienes and dienophiles are ordered in such a way that the reader can easily find the dienophile and the cycloaddition reactions which are of interest to him or her. The book should be a valuable tool for students and for academic and industrial researchers working in the field of organic synthesis.