Reactions of Alkenes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the reactions of alkenes, including definitions of terms and descriptions of reactions.

Carbon-Carbon Double Bond

A chemical bond between two carbon atoms involving one sigma bond and one pi bond, creating a region of high electron density.

Stereoisomer

Compounds that have the same molecular formula and connectivity of atoms but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms.

Electrophile

A species that has a full positive charge or a partial positive charge and can accept a lone pair of electrons.

Nucleophile

A species that can donate a lone pair of electrons.

Addition Reaction

A reaction where a molecule joins an unsaturated molecule to produce a saturated molecule.

Substitution Reaction

A reaction where an atom or group is replaced by another atom or group.

Elimination Reaction

A reaction where a molecule is lost from a saturated molecule to form an unsaturated molecule.

Carbocation

An ion with a positively charged carbon atom.

Electrophilic Addition

A mechanism where an electrophile reacts with an alkene, attacking the double bond and forming a carbocation.

Stability of Carbocations

The stability of carbocations increases with the number of alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon atom, due to increased electron density.