Addition reactions of alkenes Flashcards
Why are alkenes nucleophilles?
Because of the high electron density between the carbon double bond
What is an electrophille?
An electron pair receiver
What do alkenes undergo electrophilic addition with?
HBr, H2SO4, Br2
How are electrophilic additions reactions helpful?
With sulfuric acid:
- Used to produce alcohols since the sulfate ion is removed during nucleophilic substitution
With bromine:
- Reaction with bromine is used to test for alkenes, the orange will turn colourless
What happens in the electrophilic addition of asymmetrical alkenes?
Multiple products are formed but one product is favoured more
Why is one product produced more than another for asymmetrical alkenes.
The more alkyl groups the more stability hence it forms more
How do alkyl groups stabilise a carboncation?
They push electrons onto the carbon
What is the order of cation stability from most to least?
- Tertiary
- Secondary
- Primary
Explain why there is an attraction between a C=C double bond and Br2
The C=C is an area of high electron density. Br-Br becomes polarised and the delta positive Br is attracted to the C=C
