Electrocyclic

and Electro
addition :
orbital
symmetry
approach
Submitted by: 2018131067
Electrocyclic Reaction
Electrocyclic reactions are a class of
pericyclic reactions in which a
conjugated polyene inter- converts with
an unsaturated cyclic compound
containing one less carbon-carbon
double bond than the polyene. The
reactions can be promoted thermally or
photo-chemically and take place with a
very high degree of stereo-selectivity.
 Electrocyclic Reaction: Classification
An electrocyclic reaction can be classified into two types based on the rotation at each end of the
molecule.
• Both atomic orbitals of the end
Conrotatory groups turn in the same direction.

• The atomic orbitals of the end groups

Disrotatory turn in opposite directions.

The cis/trans geometry of the final product is directly decided by the difference between
conrotation and disrotation.
Determining conrotation or disrotation in electrocyclic reactions involves analyzing molecular
orbitals based on the number of electrons in the pi-system and the inducing factor, whether reaction is
thermal or photochemical.
Electro addition reaction

 An electro or cyclo addition is a

chemical reaction in which two or more
unsaturated molecules combine with the
formation of a cyclic adduct.
 The resulting reaction is a cyclization
reaction.
 As a class of addition reaction, this
reaction permit carbon–carbon bond
formation without the use of a
nucleophile or electrophile.
Suprafacial &
Antarafacial process
Suprafacial and antarafacial describe the
alignment of molecular orbitals during
electro addition reactions.
In suprafacial processes, both reacting
orbitals occupy the same face of the
molecule, facilitating the reaction.
 In antarafacial processes, the reacting
orbitals are on opposite faces, resulting in
forbidden symmetry and hindering the
reaction.
Thank You