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Halogenation of Alkene

Halogenation of Alkene (Electrophilic Addition Addition.) Converts CC=CC to CC(Br)C(Br)C using Br₂ (or Cl₂). Stereochemistry: Anti addition (trans-dihalide from cis-alkene).

Addition

Reaction details

Name

Halogenation of Alkene

Type

Addition

Subtype

Electrophilic Addition

Starting Material

CC=CC

Product

CC(Br)C(Br)C

Reagents
  • Br₂ (or Cl₂)

Solvent

CCl₄ or CH₂Cl₂

Mechanism
  1. Smiles

    CC=CC

    Description

    2-Butene

  2. Smiles

    CC=CC

    Description

    Br₂ approaches, π electrons attack Br

  3. Smiles

    CC1C(C)Br1

    Description

    Cyclic bromonium ion forms (prevents rotation)

  4. Smiles

    CC(Br)C(Br)C

    Description

    Br⁻ attacks from opposite face (anti addition)

Stereochemistry

Anti addition (trans-dihalide from cis-alkene)

Tips
  1. Bromonium ion intermediate explains anti stereochemistry

  2. In water: halohydrin forms instead

  3. Test for unsaturation: Br₂/CCl₄ decolorizes

  4. Mechanism shown for Br₂; Cl₂ works analogously via chloronium ion

Related Reactions
  • halohydrin-formation

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