Question

How can you solve addition reactions?

Answer 1

Addition reactions open a double or triple bond and the new atoms are simply added in.

Explanation:

Addition reaction happen with alkenes and alkynes - hydrocarbons that have double or triple bonds. This is because the `pi`-bonds open and become `sigma`-bonds with the new atoms, which are added on.

In terms of the equation, addition reaction are very easy to solve. They look very straightforward. For example,

`C_2H_4 + Br_2 -> C_2H_4Br_2`.

You can see how obvious that looks. Nothing is taken away or swapped - it is just straight-up addition.

It's easy to think about a double or triple bond as a gate. When new atoms are added, it simply opens to accept them. A triple bond in an alkyne opens once to become a double bond, and opens again to become a single bond.

This is a basic formula for addition reactions.

Nothing changes, only a double or triple bond opens and the new atoms are added in.