Diels-Alder - faster or slower question.

[FlipStyle1308]

Homework Statement

In a Diels-Alder reaction with maleic anhydride, which isomer of 2,4-hexadiene would react fastest and slowest: (Z,Z), (Z,E), or (E,E)? Briefly explain.

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

I am guessing that (Z,Z) reacts fastest and (E,E) reacts slowest, due to steric hinderence. Is my answer correct? If so, is my brief explanation manageable? Thanks.

 

[chemisttree]

Homework Statement

In a Diels-Alder reaction with maleic anhydride, which isomer of 2,4-hexadiene would react fastest and slowest: (Z,Z), (Z,E), or (E,E)? Briefly explain.

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

I am guessing that (Z,Z) reacts fastest and (E,E) reacts slowest, due to steric hinderence. Is my answer correct? If so, is my brief explanation manageable? Thanks.

You need to draw the ZZ and EE isomers. Place the maleic anhydride in its proper position (will it add endo or exo?). Anything in the way for the EE isomer? The ZZ isomer?

Your brief explanation is NOT manageable. You need to draw a picture at the very least...