Diels-Alder reaction

noun

Diels-Al·​der reaction
ˈdēlˈsäldə(r)-
: an addition reaction in which a diene unites with the double or triple bond of an unsaturated compound to form a 6-membered ring (as in tetrahydro-phthalic anhydride)

Word History

Etymology

after Otto Diels †1954 & Kurt Alder †1958 German chemists

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Diels-Alder reaction

Cite this Entry

“Diels-Alder reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Diels-Alder%20reaction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!