3.4.3 Reactions of Alkenes

Question 1

What is electrophilic addition? What are examples of electrophiles?

Answer 1

Adding of an electrophile (positive) to an electron dense (negative) double bond in alkenes

Steam, hydrogen halides, halogens

Question 2

Electrophilic addition of HBr to Propene

Answer 2

Question 3

How does Br2 become electronegative?

Answer 3

As Br2 gets closer to double bond, the high electron density repels Br2 electrons towards one of the Br atoms causing the closest Br atom to become slightly positive, and the furthest Br atom to become slightly negative (induced dipole)