Quantum Mechanical Calculations to Assess the Antireversion Effects of Several Dienophiles

Abstract

Abstract The utilization of Quantum mechanical calculations for substituted dienophiles in the Diels—Alder reaction is very useful in assessing the antireversion effect of various dienophiles. It has been demonstrated that citraconimides provide better antireversion properties than maleimides. A useful explanation is that although maleimides are better dienophiles, they do not survive the vulcanization medium and consequently are not available during the onset of reversion. The antireversion effect of dienophiles varies with the electronic and steric nature of the substituents on the double bond of the dienophile. Calculations are made to demonstrate the effectiveness of various dienophiles in a Diels—Alder reaction. A good correlation has been obtained between the calculations and experimental results.