The Variety of Thermal Pericyclic Reactions

The six‐electron thermal pericyclic reactions are examined systematically as to the number and kind which are possible by varying both the σ shell and the combinations of different atoms in all orientations, on both a six‐atom and a five‐atom framework. A simple unifying nomenclature is offered for these reactions, which number in the thousands. Further, in order to comprehend this very large number of possible reactions, they are also organized systematically in terms of their value for basic synthesis operations: construction, elimination, refunctionalization, etc. The methodology is aimed at providing a basis of selection for the invention of useful new reactions. A discussion of reaction energetics leads also to an analysis of molecular features which can facilitate reaction.