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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the first step in the mechanism of an electrophilic addition reaction in alkenes?
A
Attack of the nucleophile
B
Formation of a pi complex
C
Formation of a carbocation intermediate
D
Rearrangement of the carbocation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the nature of alkenes, which are hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon double bond. This double bond is a region of high electron density, making it susceptible to attack by electrophiles.
In an electrophilic addition reaction, the first step involves the interaction between the alkene and the electrophile. The electrophile is attracted to the electron-rich double bond.
The initial interaction leads to the formation of a pi complex. This is a transient state where the electrophile is loosely associated with the electrons of the pi bond in the alkene.
The formation of the pi complex is crucial as it sets the stage for the subsequent steps in the mechanism, such as the formation of a carbocation intermediate.
Understanding the formation of the pi complex helps in predicting the behavior of the alkene in the presence of various electrophiles, guiding the direction of the reaction.