Question

How could you improve the yield of diels alder reactions?

Answer 1

I can think of four possible methods.

Explanation:

1. Increase the temperature

Although heat is not often required in Diels-Alder reactions, increasing the temperature usually improves the yield.

2. Increase the amount of catalyst

You usually use a catalyst to increase the rate of a reaction.

Using a molar ratio of 10% catalyst often gives a large increase in both the selectivity and the yield of the reaction.

3. Do the reaction in LPDE

Many Diels-Alder reactions using `"5.0 mol/L LiClO"_4` in diethyl ether (LPDE) can be carried out at ambient temperature and pressure, go faster, give better endo/exo selectivity, and give improved yields.

4. Do the reaction in a microwave

Many common Diels-Alder reactions give better yields and are effectively complete after 5 to 10 min in the microwave at 125 °C to 150 °C.