What is a cheletropic reaction?
Q: What is a cheletropic reaction?
A: A cheletropic reaction is a type of pericyclic reaction where one atom on one of the reagents gets two new bonds.
Q: What is a pericyclic reaction?
A: A pericyclic reaction is one that involves a transition state with a cyclic array of atoms and an associated cyclic array of interacting orbitals, in which there is a reorganization of σ and π bonds.
Q: How does it differ from other types of reactions?
A: Cheletropic reactions are a subclass of cycloadditions, and what sets them apart from other types of reactions is that on one of the reagents, both new bonds are being made to the same atom.
Q: What are some examples?
A: Examples include "cheletropic extrusions" such as when the single atom in the carbonyl group ends up in carbon monoxide.
Q: What drives these reactions?
A: The driving force for these reactions is often the entropic benefit of releasing a gas (e.g. CO or N2).
Q: Is Figure 1 related to cheletropic reactions? A: Yes, Figure 1 shows examples of cheletropic reactions.
