Mechanism of the Reaction Between Ethene and Bromine - Heterolytic Fission

Question 1

What happens after the bromine has been polarised?

Answer 1

The induced polarisation becomes so great that the Br2 molecule splits into Br+ and Br- ions

Question 2

Why does the bromine molecule split?

Answer 2

Due to the induced polarisation

Question 3

What does the bromine molecule split into?

Answer 3

Br+ and Br- ions

Question 4

The bromine molecule has broken apart, on atom has gotten both of the electrons, what is this called?
(2)

Answer 4

Heterolysis

Heterolytic fission

Question 5

What is heterolysis or heterolytic fission?

Answer 5

The breaking of a bond so that the two electrons end up on one atom

Question 6

Why is one ion positive and one negative

2

Answer 6

One has become positive because it has lost an electron (lost negative charge from electron)

One has become negative because it has gained an electron (gained negative charge from electron)

Question 7

What are the steps involved in heterolytic fission?

4

Answer 7

Polarisation so great that Br2 splits

Two ions form

Heterolytic fission/heterolysis

One positive ion, one negative ion formed