dienophile

A dienophile is a chemical compound that can react with a diene (a molecule with two double bonds) in a specific type of reaction called a Diels-Alder reaction. Think of the dienophile as a partner that "wants" to bond with the diene, helping form a new ring-shaped molecule. Typically, the dienophile contains a double or triple bond to make it more reactive. These reactions are important in creating complex organic molecules, such as pharmaceuticals and materials, efficiently and with precision.