Diels–Alder reaction
The reaction process involves the formation of an aryl immonium ion intermediate followed by an aza Diels-Alder reaction with an alkene. Imines are electron-poor, and thus usually function as the dienophile. Here, however, the alkene is electron-rich, so it reacts well with the immonium diene in an Inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction.