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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of electrophilic addition in alkenes?
A
The alkene undergoes a radical substitution reaction, forming a radical intermediate.
B
The alkene acts as an electrophile, accepting electrons from a nucleophile to form a stable product.
C
The alkene undergoes a nucleophilic substitution reaction, forming a stable alkoxide ion.
D
The alkene acts as a nucleophile, attacking an electrophile to form a carbocation intermediate.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of alkenes: Alkenes are hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon double bond, which is a region of high electron density. This makes alkenes act as nucleophiles, meaning they can donate electrons.
Identify the role of the electrophile: In electrophilic addition reactions, an electrophile is a species that accepts electrons. It is attracted to the electron-rich double bond of the alkene.
Describe the initial interaction: The alkene's π electrons attack the electrophile, leading to the formation of a carbocation intermediate. This step involves the breaking of the π bond and the formation of a new σ bond with the electrophile.
Explain the formation of the carbocation: The carbocation is a positively charged carbon atom that results from the alkene donating electrons to the electrophile. This intermediate is crucial for the subsequent steps of the reaction.
Discuss the completion of the reaction: The carbocation intermediate can then react with a nucleophile, which donates electrons to form a stable product. This step completes the electrophilic addition mechanism.