Characteristics of addition reactions
A and B may be the same (such as in H2 or Br2) or different (as in HCl or HOH).
A and B may be a single atom (such as H or Br or Cl) or a group such as (OH)
The general form of an addition reaction given above shows that the product
- has all atoms of both the reactant alkene as well as atoms from the reagent
- has the same carbon skeleton (arrangement of carbon atoms) as the reactant alkene
- has the two parts of the reagent bonded to carbons that were doubly-bonded in the reactant alkene.
- has one fewer degrees of unsaturation than the alkene reactant.
- has a functional group that depends on A and B.
Addition reactions can be used to convert alkenes to alkanes, haloalkanes or alcohols