Bootcamp Orgo Test #1, Question 23

[mkhan27]

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I am confused about this question. Why is it that the ester groups are pointing down? I see in the explanation it says that pi bonds should be pointing down, but doesn't that create interactions with each other since they are next to each other and wouldn't C be a more stable answer since the groups are equatorial and are still cis. Is it always the case that pi bonds (in diels-alder rxns) always point downwards? Thanks!

 

[Syntav]

the ester groups are more stable pointing down because this will reduce the steric hinderance from the bridge which is pointing up