Sigmatropic reactions definition

A cycloaddition reaction is actually a type of pericydic reaction, but the term peri-cyclic includes other types of reactions. The textbook definition of pericydic is a reaction whose transition state has a cyclic structure (i.e., the electrons are flowing in a closed loop). In addition to cycloaddition reactions (which exchange two Jt-bonds for two o-bonds, or vice versa), pericydic reactions include sigmatropic reactions, electro-cyclic reactions, and cheletropic reactions (and a few others which we ll ignore). 

With these descriptors in hand, we can look at the generalized orbital symmetry rule. There is a definite binary nature to the theory of pericyclic reactions. For cycloadditions, [2-f2] is forbidden (all suprafacial), whereas [4-F2] is allowed (all suprafacial). Continuing with the series, [6+2] is forbidden, and [8+2] is allowed. We will also encounter patterns in the other kinds of pericyclic reactions presented electrocyclic reactions, sigmatropic shifts, etc. Based on patterns such as these. Woodward and Hoffmann proposed the following rule for all pericyclic reactions ... 

Pericyclic reactions were defined in 1969 by R. B. Woodward and R. Hoffmann as reactions in which all first-order change.s in bonding relationships take place in concert on a closed curve that is, as concerted reactions in which all bonds are formed or brokeasimultaneously around a circle. This definition arose from the systematic study of the conservation of orbital symmetry in a series of reactions electrocyclic reactions, cycloadditions, sigmatropic shifts, cheletropic reactions, and group transfer and elimination reactions. Excellent reviews on the historical evolution of pericyclic reactions have been published. ... 

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