Diels–Alder reaction of vinylene carbonate and 2,5-dimethylfuran: kinetic vs. thermodynamic control

Abstract

The Diels–Alder reaction between 2,5-dimethylfuran and vinylene carbonate was studied, both from an experimental and a theoretical point of view. The system was shown to slowly reach a thermodynamic equilibrium, characterized by the almost exclusive formation of the exo isomer. We rationalized these results by a comparison with classical systems involving maleic anhydride, and highlighted the different reactivity of vinylene carbonate as a dienophile. Finally, a preparative scale synthesis of pure exo isomer 4, a potentially useful synthon, ensued from this work.