Electrophilic Addition in Alkenes Flashcards
What is the mechanism for reactions with alkenes?
Electrophilic addition.
Why does the double bond in an alkene have a high electron density?
Because of the presence of pi bonds.
Why does the double bond allow addition reactions to take place?
The region of high electron density attracts electrophiles.
What is an electrophile?
An atom or group of atoms that is attracted to an electron-rich centre and accepts an electron pair.
What charge does an electrophile have?
It is a positive ion or a molecule with a partial positive charge.
How many steps are involved in the electrophilic addition reactions?
2
What is the first step in the mechanism for electrophilic addition reactions with alkenes?
The formation of a carbocation.
What is the second step in the mechanism for the electrophilic addition reactions with alkenes?
The carbocation reacts with the negative ion to form the product.
What is more electronegative: bromine or hydrogen?
Bromine
Why does the bromine atom have the negative partial charge?
It is more electronegative than hydrogen.
What is the electron pair in the pi bond attracted to?
The positive atom.
What type of fission is used in this mechanism?
Heterolytic fission
What is heterolytic fission?
Where one of the bonded atoms takes both of the electrons from the bond to form a positive and negative ion.
What does a carbocation contain?
A positively charged carbon atom.
uNFINISHED
UNFINISHED
