Question

How do you do addition reactions of alkenes?

Answer 1

The first step in the addition reaction, is the interaction between the `pi` electrons in the double bond and an electrophile. This leads to the formation of a carbocation intermediate. The intermediate then reacts with the nucleophile present in the medium...

The diagram below shows how the reaction takes place and traces the flow of electrons:

Consider the addition a hydrogen halide `"H-X"` to an alkene:

The first step in the addition reaction, is the interaction between the `pi` electrons in the double bond and the H-atom of the hydrogen halide followed by the reaction of the halide with the carbocation intermediate producing an alkyl halide.