Chapter 27, Problem 27.42P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason as to why heating $\text{buta}-1,3-\text{diene}$ forms $4-\text{vinylcyclohexene}$ but not $\text{cycloocta}-1,5-\text{diene}$ is to be explained.

Concept introduction: Curved arrows aid in determining the movement and flow of electrons in the reaction. The electrons that take part in the chemical reactions are shown by the curved arrows.

Electrocyclic reactions involve the conversion of $\text{σ}$ bonds into $\text{π}$ bonds or $\text{π}$ bonds into $\text{σ}$ bonds.