Electrophillic addition

Question 1

What is an electrophile?

Answer 1

-A species attracted to high electron density (1)
-Accepts a pair of electrons

Question 2

Name the three types of carbocation and describe their stability.

Answer 2

-Primary: least stable because it is bonded to less carbons. Less positive inductive effect
-Secondary: More stable than primary as it is surrounded by 2 carbons. more positive inductive effect
-Tertiary: Most stable carbocation. Bonds to 3 other carbons. Greatest positive inductive effect.

Question 3

What do you do if you want the minor product?

Answer 3

Put the carbocation as primary (so on first or last carbon) so it’s less stable and will result in less product.

Question 4

What do you do if you want the major product?

Answer 4

Put carbocation in tertiary position so it’s most stable and will produce most product.