3.4.2 Isomerism in Alkenes

Question 1

Why can’t alkenes rotate around double bond?

Answer 1

Because of the present of the Pi π bond

Question 2

What is the inductive effect?

Answer 2

• Alkyl groups attached to carbocations
• Push electrons away from themselves towards the positively charged carbon
• So carbocation becomes less positively charged
• Charge spread around carbocation so more energetically stable
• This is why tertiary carbocations are the most stable because they have 3 electron donating alkyl groups energetically stabilising carbocation

Question 3

What is markovnikov’s rule?

Answer 3

• In addition reactions to alkenes
• Electrophile (H+) adds to the carbon to give the most stable carbocation
• Nucleophile bonds to most stable carbocation