Addition reactions of alkenes
with symmetrical reagents such as Br
2 and H
2 with alkenes always
give a single product.
This is because the two halves of the reagent are the same.
Addition reactions of alkenes with
asymmetric reagents (like A-B or HCl or HBr) give two products
IF the alkene is also
asymmetric.
How do I recognize if an alkene is asymmetric?An alkene as asymmetric if the two groups bonded to each of the doubly-bonded carbons are the different.
CH
3CH
2CH
2CH=CHCH
3 is asymmetric
(H and CH3 on one doubly-bonded carbon; H and CH2CH2CH3 on the other)
CH
3CH
2CH=CHCH
2CH
3 is symmetrical
(H and CH2CH3 on both doubly-bonded carbons)