Pericyclic reactions, which are also known by the name concerted organic reactions, are important topics in any chemistry postgraduate/undergraduate curriculum representing an important class of concerted processes involving pi-systems. Pericyclic reactions are governed by Woodward-Hoffmann rules. Concerted reorganization of bonding takes place throughout a cyclic array of continuously bonded atoms in these reactions. Cycloadditions, cheletropic reactions, electrocyclic reactions, sigmatropic rearrangements, and group transfer reactions are some of the major types of pericyclic reactions. Though initially considered as reactions aloof to solvent effects or the presence of catalysts, it has recently been shown that it is possible to influence pericyclic reactions using mechanical stress, catalysts, and notably enzymes. This course will uncover all the major topics in pericyclic reactions. |