Electrophilic addition happens when an electron-rich substance (like an alkene with a carbon-carbon double bond) gets attacked by an electrophile (electron-loving species).
Think of this like a magnet! The alkene is like a super-attractive magnet that lures the electrophile into attacking it.
Example: Ethene (C2H4) + Bromine Water (Br2)
Here's what happens
Imagine two dance partners (the two bromine atoms). One gets attracted and joins the dance floor (alkene), leaving the other alone. The lonely partner (bromine ion) then finds a new partner (the carbocation) to dance with!
Example: But-2-ene (C4H8) + Hydrogen Bromide (HBr)
Steps
Imagine this as a trio. The bromine doesn't want the third wheel (hydrogen) anymore. But the hydrogen finds a new friend (carbocation), and bromine is back in the game by rejoining them.
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Electrophilic addition happens when an electron-rich substance (like an alkene with a carbon-carbon double bond) gets attacked by an electrophile (electron-loving species).
Think of this like a magnet! The alkene is like a super-attractive magnet that lures the electrophile into attacking it.
Example: Ethene (C2H4) + Bromine Water (Br2)
Here's what happens
Imagine two dance partners (the two bromine atoms). One gets attracted and joins the dance floor (alkene), leaving the other alone. The lonely partner (bromine ion) then finds a new partner (the carbocation) to dance with!
Example: But-2-ene (C4H8) + Hydrogen Bromide (HBr)
Steps
Imagine this as a trio. The bromine doesn't want the third wheel (hydrogen) anymore. But the hydrogen finds a new friend (carbocation), and bromine is back in the game by rejoining them.
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Chemistry HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
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