Wagner-Jauregg reaction

The Wagner-Jauregg reaction is a classic organic reaction in organic chemistry (named after its inventors) describing the Diels-Alder reaction of 2 equivalents of maleic anhydride with a 1,1-diarylethylene. After aromatization of the bis-adduct the ultimate reaction product is a naphthalene compound with one phenyl substituent.^[1]

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Visual Balance Check

Weighing the right way

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

The reaction is unusual in that the anhydride reacts with the related styrene to form a copolymer. The presence of the alpha-phenyl group activates the styryl group for a Diels–Alder reaction even at the expense of its aromaticity.

In one adaptation rearomatization is accomplished with elemental sulfur and decarboxylation with barium hydroxide and copper:^[2]

References