electrophilic addition reactions menu

Understanding Chemistry

ELECTROPHILIC ADDITION MECHANISMS MENU

Addition to symmetrical alkenes

Covers addition to symmetrical alkenes like ethene and cyclohexene. A symmetrical alkene has the same groups attached to both ends of the carbon-carbon double bond.

What is electrophilic addition? . . .: An explanation of the terms addition and electrophile, together with a general mechanism for these reactions.
The reaction with hydrogen halides . . .: The mechanism for the reaction between ethene (and cyclohexene) and hydrogen halides (like hydrogen bromide).
The reaction with sulphuric acid . . .: The mechanism for the reaction between ethene (and cyclohexene) and sulphuric acid.
The reaction with bromine . . .: The mechanism for the reaction between ethene (and cyclohexene) and bromine.

Addition to unsymmetrical alkenes

Covers addition to unsymmetrical alkenes like propene. An unsymmetrical alkene has different groups attached to each end of the carbon-carbon double bond.

Warning! Don't even think about reading articles in this section until you are sure you understand the corresponding reaction(s) above!

Carbocations (carbonium ions) and their stability . . .: Essential pre-reading before you tackle anything else in this section.
Why unsymmetric alkenes are a problem . . .: Explains the reasons behind Markovnikov's Rule, and gives a general mechanism for these more awkward reactions. This is also essential reading before you look at specific reactions.
The reaction with hydrogen halides . . .: The mechanism for the reaction between propene and hydrogen halides (like hydrogen bromide).
The reaction with sulphuric acid . . .: The mechanism for the reaction between propene and sulphuric acid.
The reaction with bromine . . .: The mechanism for the reaction between propene and bromine.

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You might also be interested in:

properties and reactions of alkenes . . .: A survey of all the physical and chemical properties of alkenes required by UK A level syllabuses.