Robinson annulation reaction

Definition

The Robinson annulation reaction is a chemical process that combines an aldol condensation with a Michael addition to construct ring systems, particularly useful in synthesizing cyclohexenones. It's a pivotal method in organic chemistry for building complex molecular structures from simpler compounds.

Related terms

Aldol Condensation: A reaction between an aldehyde or ketone with a carbon alpha to a carbonyl group, resulting in the formation of a β-hydroxyaldehyde or β-hydroxyketone.

Michael Addition: A nucleophilic addition of a carbanion or another nucleophile to an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound leading to the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond.

Cyclohexenone: A six-membered cyclic compound containing one ketone group; it's often synthesized through reactions like the Robinson annulation