Mechanism: Electrophilic Addition Flashcards
Alkenes undergo electrophilic addition reactions
In an electrophilic addition reaction, two reactants form only one product
So, electrophilic addition reactions will have
a 100% atom economy
It is the double bond in an alkene which makes them so reactive
The C=C double bond is an electron-rich area of the molecule which is
readily attacked by positively charged electrophiles
Alkenes will undergo electrophilic addition reactions with
hydrogen halides, halogens and concentrated sulfuric acid with steam
When the reaction takes place with an asymmetrical alkene, then you need to determine which product will form
This depends on the stability of the carbocation formed as the intermediate
The stability of carbon carbocations is as follows
Tertiary > secondary > primary
The major product formed will be from the intermediate with the more
stable carbocation, but some of the product from the less stable carbocation intermediate will also form
In the mechanism above, the secondary halogenoalkane is the major product, because a secondary carbocation is more stable than a primary carbocation