Cope rearrangement

Definition

The Cope rearrangement is a thermal, pericyclic reaction involving the 3,3-sigmatropic rearrangement of 1,5-dienes to form isomeric 1,5-dienes. It occurs without the aid of catalysts and involves a concerted movement of electrons and atomic positions within the molecule.

Related terms

Pericyclic Reactions:

These are reactions that proceed via a concerted mechanism that involves cyclic redistribution of bonding electrons.

Sigmatropic Rearrangement:

A type of organic reaction involving the migration of σ-bonds along with π-electrons in a concerted manner.

Concerted Mechanism:

A reaction mechanism where all bond breaking and bond forming occur in a single step without any intermediates