Answer:
D
Explanation:
- The rate of the Diels-Alder is orders of magnitude faster if there is an electron-withdrawing group on the dienophile. For example, replacing a hydrogen on ethene with the electron-withdrawing group CN results in about a 10^5 increase in the reaction rate.
- Other common electron withdrawing functional groups that will accelerate the Diels Alder reaction of dienophiles include aldehydes, ketones, and esters.
- In short, any functional group conjugated with the pi bond which can act as a pi acceptor will accelerate a Diels-Alder reaction with a typical diene.
- See attachment for graphical explanation.
