Electrophilic addition mechanismsEdexcel International A Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Electrophilic addition mechanisms

1. A student is learning how electrophiles such as bromine and hydrogen bromide react with the C=C bond of ethene, even though a bromine molecule is non-polar.
   Define the term electrophile, and identify the atom in hydrogen bromide that acts as the electrophile in its reaction with ethene.2 marks
2. 2-Methylpropene, (CH₃)₂C=CH₂, reacts with hydrogen bromide by a mechanism that involves a carbocation intermediate.
   Explain why a tertiary carbocation is more stable than a primary carbocation.2 marks
3. Propene reacts with hydrogen bromide to give 2-bromopropane as the major product and 1-bromopropane as the minor product. Ethene also reacts with hydrogen bromide.
   Explain why 2-bromopropane is the major product of the reaction of propene with hydrogen bromide.3 marks