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Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution – The First Meeting
Imagine you have a benzene ring — that perfect, flat hexagon of six carbons with alternating double bonds. It's stable, almost stubbornly so. You want to attach something new to it, say a bromine atom or a nitro group. But benzene doesn't react like an alkene. It doesn't just add across a double bond. Instead, it does something more elegant: it kicks out a hydrogen and keeps its aromatic ring intact.
That's the heart of Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS).
The Intuition: Why "Substitution" and Not "Addition"?
Benzene's stability comes from its delocalised π electrons — a cloud above and below the ring. This cloud is electron-rich, so it attracts electrophiles (electron-loving species). But if an electrophile simply added to a double bond, the ring would break its aromaticity, losing that huge stabilisation. That would be energetically costly.
So benzene does something smarter: it lets the electrophile attack, temporarily breaks aromaticity to form a high-energy intermediate (the arenium ion), and then loses a proton to restore the aromatic ring. The net result? A hydrogen is replaced by the electrophile. The ring is back to its stable, aromatic self.
The key trade-off: temporary loss of aromaticity is acceptable because the final product regains it. Addition reactions would permanently destroy aromaticity — benzene avoids that.
The Precise Statement
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution is a reaction in which an electrophile (E+) replaces a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring, proceeding through a sigma complex (arenium ion) intermediate, and restoring aromaticity after deprotonation.
The general equation:
Ar−H+EX+Ar−E+HX+
where Ar represents an aromatic ring.
The Mechanism in Three Steps
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Generation of the electrophile – Many EAS reactions need a catalyst to create a strong enough E+. For example, bromination uses FeBrX3 to polarise BrX2 into BrX+.
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Attack by the aromatic ring – The π electrons of benzene attack the electrophile, forming a sigma complex (also called the arenium ion or Wheland intermediate). This intermediate is non-aromatic — it has four π electrons delocalised over five carbons, and one sp3 carbon bearing the electrophile and a hydrogen.
Benzene+E+⟶Sigma complex (non-aromatic)
- Deprotonation – A base (often the counterion of the catalyst, like FeBrX4X−) removes the proton from the sp3 carbon. The pair of electrons from the C–H bond flows back into the ring, restoring the aromatic sextet.
Sigma complex+Base⟶Product+HX+
The sigma complex is not aromatic. It's a high-energy intermediate. Students often mistakenly think it's still aromatic — it isn't. That's why the step is fast and the complex is short-lived.
Why This Matters for Exams
EAS is the gateway to understanding how to put groups onto benzene rings. The rate-determining step is usually the formation of the sigma complex (step 2). The regiochemistry (where the electrophile goes) depends on whether the ring already has a substituent — that's the topic of activating/deactivating groups and ortho/para vs. meta directors. …
Why this formula?
Electrophilic Addition Reactions: Why the Mechanism Works
Electrophilic addition is a cornerstone of alkene and alkyne chemistry. Instead of memorising the "arrow pushing," let's understand why the reaction proceeds the way it does — driven by electron density, stability, and charge.
1. The Core Idea: Why Alkenes React This Way
Alkenes have a π-bond — a cloud of electrons above and below the plane of the σ-bond. This π-electron cloud is:
- Electron-rich (nucleophilic)
- Exposed (not shielded by σ-bonds like in alkanes)
An electrophile (electron-lover) is attracted to this high electron density. The reaction is electrophilic addition because the electrophile attacks first.
Key principle: The π-bond acts as a Lewis base (electron donor). The electrophile is a Lewis acid (electron acceptor).
2. The General Mechanism (Two-Step)
Step 1: Formation of a Carbocation (or Bridged Intermediate)
The electrophile (E⁺) attacks the π-bond. The π-electrons form a new σ-bond to E⁺, leaving the other carbon with a positive charge — a carbocation.
C=C+EX+⟶CX+−C−E
Why does this happen?
The π-bond is weaker than a σ-bond (~260 kJ/mol vs ~350 kJ/mol). Breaking the π-bond to form a σ-bond is energetically favourable because the new σ-bond is stronger. The carbocation is a high-energy intermediate, but it's stabilised by:
- Hyperconjugation (alkyl groups donate electron density)
- Inductive effect (alkyl groups push electrons toward the positive carbon)
Step 2: Nucleophilic Attack
A nucleophile (Nu⁻) attacks the carbocation, forming a second σ-bond.
CX+−C−E+NuX−⟶C−Nu−C−E
Why does this happen?
The carbocation is electron-deficient (positive charge). The nucleophile is electron-rich. Opposite charges attract — this is electrostatic and orbital overlap driven.
3. The Key "Formula" — Markovnikov's Rule
Statement: In the addition of HX to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen attaches to the carbon with more hydrogens already, and the X attaches to the carbon with fewer hydrogens.
Why does this rule hold? (The reasoning)
Consider propene: CHX3−CH=CHX2 + HBr.
- Possible carbocations:
- Primary carbocation: CHX3−CHX+−CHX2Br (less stable)
- Secondary carbocation: CHX3−CHBr−CHX2X+ (more stable)
The more substituted carbocation (secondary > primary) is more stable due to:
- Hyperconjugation: More alkyl groups = more C–H σ-bonds that can donate electron density into the empty p-orbital of the carbocation.
- Inductive effect: Alkyl groups are electron-donating, stabilising the positive charge.
Result: The reaction proceeds via the more stable carbocation, leading to Markovnikov addition.
Markovnikov's rule is not a law — it's a consequence of carbocation stability.
4. The "Anti-Markovnikov" Exception (Why It Happens)
With HBr in the presence of peroxides (ROOR), the addition is anti-Markovnikov — Br goes to the less substituted carbon.
Why? The mechanism changes from ionic to free-radical.
- Peroxide decomposes to radicals: ROOR2RO⋅
- RO• abstracts H from HBr: RO⋅+HBrROH+Br⋅
- Br• adds to the alkene — at the less substituted carbon (because the radical formed is more stable — tertiary > secondary > primary).
- The new radical abstracts H from another HBr, regenerating Br•. …
- 1-Phenylethanol from an alkene — The key idea is electrophilic addition of water to styrene (phenylethene). Treat styrene with dilute H2SO4 (acid-catalysed hydration). The proton adds to the less substituted carbon (Markovnikov addition), giving a benzylic carbocation, which is trapped by water. Deprotonation yields 1-phenylethanol.
- Cyclohexylmethanol from an alkyl halide via SN2 — Use cyclohexylmethyl bromide (or chloride) with a strong nucleophile like OH− (e.g., aqueous NaOH). The SN2 attack occurs at the primary carbon, inverting configuration, to give cyclohexylmethanol. …
The key idea is to work backwards from the target alcohol to identify the correct starting material and reaction type. (i) 1-phenylethanol comes from hydration of styrene.
(ii) cyclohexylmethanol comes from SN2 of cyclohexylmethyl bromide with hydroxide.
(iii) pentan-1-ol comes from SN2 of 1-bromopentane with hydroxide.
Let’s tackle each synthesis by thinking about the functional group transformation needed. An alcohol can be made from an alkene via electrophilic addition of water (hydration), or from an alkyl halide via nucleophilic substitution (SN1 or SN2). The trick is to match the carbon skeleton and the position of the –OH group.
(i) 1-phenylethanol from a suitable alkene
1-phenylethanol has the structure: Ph−CH(OH)−CHX3. The –OH is on the carbon next to the benzene ring. The obvious alkene precursor is styrene (phenylethene), Ph−CH=CHX2.
Why? Hydration of an alkene follows Markovnikov’s rule: the hydrogen adds to the less substituted carbon, and the –OH adds to the more substituted carbon. In styrene, the double bond is between a benzylic carbon and a terminal carbon. The benzylic carbon is more substituted (and also stabilises a carbocation well). So water adds to give the tertiary-like benzylic alcohol — exactly 1-phenylethanol.
The reaction: Ph−CH=CHX2+HX2OHX2SOX4Ph−CH(OH)−CHX3.
A common mistake is to think of anti-Markovnikov hydration (hydroboration-oxidation) here. That would give 2-phenylethanol (Ph−CHX2−CHX2OH), which is a different compound. Always check the position of the –OH in the target.
(ii) cyclohexylmethanol using an alkyl halide by an SN2 reaction
Cyclohexylmethanol is CX6HX11−CHX2OH. The –OH is on a primary carbon (the –CH2– group attached to the ring). For an SN2 reaction, we need a good leaving group on a primary carbon, and a strong nucleophile.
The alkyl halide must be cyclohexylmethyl halide, e.g., CX6HX11−CHX2Br (or chloride/iodide). The nucleophile is hydroxide ion (OHX−), which attacks the primary carbon from the back, displacing the halide.
SN2 works beautifully here because the carbon is primary and unhindered (the cyclohexyl ring is bulky, but the –CH2– group is still accessible). The reaction: CX6HX11−CHX2Br+NaOHHX2OCX6HX11−CHX2OH+NaBr. …
Here is the clear, concept-first solution for each synthesis, with the method named and steps explained.
(i) 1-phenylethanol from a suitable alkene
Method: Acid-catalysed hydration (Electrophilic addition of water, following Markovnikov’s rule).
Concept: The alkene acts as a nucleophile. The electrophile is HX+ from dilute acid. The more stable carbocation intermediate (here, benzylic) determines the regiochemistry.
Steps:
- Choose the alkene: Use styrene (phenylethene, CX6HX5−CH=CHX2).
- Reaction conditions: Treat styrene with dilute HX2SOX4 (or HX3POX4) in aqueous medium.
- Mechanism:
- Protonation of the double bond occurs at the terminal carbon (the less substituted end), forming a stabilised benzylic carbocation (CX6HX5−CHX+−CHX3).
- Water (a nucleophile) attacks the carbocation.
- Deprotonation yields 1-phenylethanol (CX6HX5−CH(OH)−CHX3).
Key result: The −OH group attaches to the more substituted carbon (the benzylic carbon), following Markovnikov’s rule.
(ii) cyclohexylmethanol from an alkyl halide by an SN2 reaction
Method: Nucleophilic substitution (SN2) using a primary alkyl halide and a strong nucleophile.
Concept: SN2 requires a good leaving group and a strong, sterically unhindered nucleophile. The carbon bearing the leaving group must be primary (or methyl) for a clean backside attack.
Steps:
- Choose the alkyl halide: Use chloromethylcyclohexane (or bromomethylcyclohexane), CX6HX11−CHX2−X (where X = Cl or Br). This is a primary halide — ideal for SN2.
- Choose the nucleophile: Use hydroxide ion (OHX−) from a strong base like aqueous NaOH or KOH.
- Reaction conditions: Heat under reflux in a polar aprotic solvent (e.g., acetone) or aqueous ethanol to favour SN2.
- Mechanism:
- The OHX− ion attacks the carbon bearing the halogen from the opposite side (backside attack).
- The leaving group (halide) departs in a single concerted step.
- Product: cyclohexylmethanol (CX6HX11−CHX2OH).
Key result: Inversion of configuration occurs at the reaction centre (though not stereochemically relevant here since the carbon is not chiral).
(iii) pentan-1-ol using a suitable alkyl halide
Method: Nucleophilic substitution (SN2) using a primary alkyl halide and a strong nucleophile. …
Here are the common mistakes students make for each part of this question, along with the correct conceptual approach to avoid them.
(i) 1-phenylethanol from a suitable alkene
Common Mistake 1: Using the wrong alkene (e.g., ethenylbenzene/styrene).
- Why it’s wrong: Students often pick styrene (C6H5CH=CH2). Hydration of styrene (via acid-catalyzed addition) follows Markovnikov’s rule. The H+ adds to the less substituted carbon (the CH2 end), placing the positive charge on the more stable benzylic carbon. This gives 1-phenylethanol as the major product. While this can work, the question asks for a suitable alkene. The most direct and unambiguous choice is ethenylbenzene (styrene).
- How to avoid: Always check the regiochemistry. For 1-phenylethanol, the OH must be on the benzylic carbon. The alkene must have the double bond directly attached to the benzene ring so that Markovnikov hydration places the OH there.
Common Mistake 2: Using hydroboration-oxidation.
- Why it’s wrong: Hydroboration-oxidation gives anti-Markovnikov addition. If you use styrene, you get 2-phenylethanol (C6H5CH2CH2OH), not 1-phenylethanol.
- How to avoid: Remember the rule: Markovnikov for acid-catalyzed hydration (or oxymercuration-demercuration); anti-Markovnikov for hydroboration. Match the reagent to the desired product.
Correct Synthesis:
- Alkene: Ethenylbenzene (styrene)
- Reagent: H2O/H2SO4 (or Hg(OAc)2/H2O followed by NaBH4 for better yields without rearrangement).
- Reaction: Electrophilic addition of water across the double bond.
C6H5CH=CH2+H2OH2SO4C6H5CH(OH)CH3
(ii) Cyclohexylmethanol from an alkyl halide by SN2
Common Mistake 1: Choosing the wrong alkyl halide (e.g., 1-bromocyclohexane).
- Why it’s wrong: 1-bromocyclohexane is a secondary alkyl halide. SN2 reactions are very slow on secondary substrates and practically impossible on tertiary ones due to steric hindrance. The reaction would be extremely inefficient.
- How to avoid: For a reliable SN2, you need a primary alkyl halide. The carbon bearing the leaving group must be CH3 or RCH2X. Here, the target is cyclohexylmethanol (C6H11CH2OH). The carbon with the OH is a primary carbon attached to the ring. So, the alkyl halide must be cyclohexylmethyl halide (e.g., C6H11CH2Br).
Common Mistake 2: Using a strong base instead of a good nucleophile.
- Why it’s wrong: SN2 requires a strong nucleophile, not necessarily a strong base. Using OH− (e.g., aqueous NaOH) is fine, but students sometimes use bulky bases like t−BuO− which are poor nucleophiles and favor elimination (E2).
- How to avoid: Use a small, strong nucleophile. For making an alcohol, the nucleophile is OH− (from NaOH or KOH in water/alcohol). The solvent should be polar aprotic (e.g., acetone) or a polar protic solvent (water/ethanol) — though aprotic speeds up SN2.
Correct Synthesis:
- Alkyl halide: (Bromomethyl)cyclohexane (C6H11CH2Br)
- Reagent: NaOH (aq) or KOH (aq)
- Reaction: SN2 substitution.
C6H11CH2Br+OH−SN2C6H11CH2OH+Br−
(iii) Pentan-1-ol using a suitable alkyl halide
Common Mistake 1: Using 1-bromopentane with OH− — but forgetting about elimination.
- Why it’s wrong: 1-bromopentane is a primary alkyl halide, so SN2 is fast. However, if you use a strong base like OH− at high temperature, elimination (E2) can compete, giving pent-1-ene as a byproduct. This reduces yield. …
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.A compound with molecular formula C5H10 that gives acetone on ozonolysis is: (A) 2-methyl-2-butene (B) 2-methyl-1-butene (C) 3-methyl-1-butene (D) Cyclopentane
›Reveal solutionSolution
Ozonolysis cleaves alkenes at the double bond to give carbonyl compounds; here, acetone (a ketone) is produced, so the alkene must have a double bond that yields exactly two carbonyl fragments, one of which is acetone. The only option that fits is 2-methyl-2-butene, which gives acetone + acetaldehyde.
Concept & Intuition
Ozonolysis is a reaction that cleaves a carbon–carbon double bond and replaces each of the two doubly bonded carbons with a carbonyl group (C=O). If the carbon originally had two alkyl groups attached (i.e., it was a disubstituted carbon in the double bond), it becomes a ketone; if it had one or zero alkyl groups, it becomes an aldehyde or formaldehyde.
Here, the product is acetone, which is a ketone with the structure (CH₃)₂C=O. That means the original alkene must have had a carbon in the double bond that was attached to two methyl groups — i.e., a (CH₃)₂C= fragment. The other half of the double bond can be anything, but the overall formula is C₅H₁₀, so we need to check which of the given alkenes has that exact structural feature.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Identify the structural requirement for acetone formation Acetone = (CH₃)₂C=O. This comes from a carbon in the double bond that had two methyl groups attached. So the alkene must contain the fragment
(CH3)2C=C
(the other carbon can have H or alkyl groups).
-
Examine each option
- (A) 2-methyl-2-butene Structure: CH₃–C(CH₃)=CH–CH₃ The double bond is between C2 and C3. C2 has two methyl groups (one from the main chain, one as a branch) → exactly the (CH₃)₂C= fragment. Ozonolysis:
(CH3)2C=CHCH3O3(CH3)2C=O+CH3CHO
Acetone + acetaldehyde. ✓- (B) 2-methyl-1-butene Structure: CH₂=C(CH₃)–CH₂–CH₃ …
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.When 2-butyne is treated with dilute H2SO4/HgSO4, the product formed is: (A) Butanal (B) 1-butanol (C) Butanone (D) 2-butanol
›Reveal solutionSolution
Hydration of an internal alkyne (2‑butyne) with dilute H₂SO₄/HgSO₄ follows Markovnikov’s rule via an enol intermediate that tautomerizes to a ketone. The product is butanone (methyl ethyl ketone).
Concept & Intuition
The reaction is acid‑catalyzed hydration of an alkyne using Hg²⁺ as a catalyst (the classic “oxymercuration” of alkynes). For an internal alkyne like 2‑butyne (CH₃–C≡C–CH₃), the two triple‑bond carbons are equally substituted (both secondary). Markovnikov’s rule says the –OH adds to the more substituted carbon, but here both are equally substituted, so the enol formed is symmetrical. That enol immediately tautomerizes to the more stable keto form — a ketone, not an aldehyde. The key is that terminal alkynes give aldehydes; internal alkynes give ketones.
Step‑by‑Step Reasoning
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Identify the substrate
2‑butyne is CH₃–C≡C–CH₃. It is an internal alkyne (the triple bond is not at the end of the chain).
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Reaction conditions
Dilute H₂SO₄ with HgSO₄ provides Hg²⁺ ions, which coordinate to the triple bond, making it more electrophilic. Water then attacks the activated π‑bond.
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Regiochemistry (Markovnikov addition)
For an unsymmetrical alkyne, the –OH ends up on the more substituted carbon. Here both carbons are equally substituted (each has one methyl group), so the water can add to either carbon with equal probability. The immediate product is an enol:
CH3–C(OH)=CH–CH3
(the exact placement of the double bond is the same either way because the molecule is symmetric).
- Tautomerization The enol is unstable and rapidly undergoes keto‑enol tautomerization. The hydrogen on the carbon adjacent to the –OH shifts to the oxygen, and the double bond moves to become a carbonyl:
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- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.The number of grams of bromine that will completely react with 5 g of pentene is : [Atomic mass of Br=80u ] (A) 22.4 g (B) 8.4 g (C) 11.4 g (D) 54.2 g
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is that pentene (C₅H₁₀) adds one Br₂ molecule per double bond. 5 g of pentene corresponds to about 0.0714 mol, which reacts with 0.0714 mol Br₂ (≈ 11.4 g). So the correct option is (C).
Concept and Intuition
Pentene is an alkene with one carbon‑carbon double bond. The characteristic reaction of alkenes is electrophilic addition — here, bromine (Br₂) adds across the double bond. Each molecule of pentene consumes exactly one molecule of Br₂. So the problem reduces to a simple stoichiometric calculation: find how many moles of pentene are in 5 g, then the same number of moles of Br₂ is needed, and convert that to grams.
A common mistake is to forget that Br₂ is diatomic (Br₂, not Br), so its molar mass is 160 g/mol, not 80 g/mol. We’ll watch for that.
Step‑by‑Step Solution
- Determine the molecular formula of pentene The name “pentene” tells us it has 5 carbon atoms and one double bond. For an alkene with one double bond, the general formula is CₙH₂ₙ. So for n = 5:
Pentene=C5H10
- Calculate the molar mass of pentene Atomic masses: C = 12 u, H = 1 u.
M(C5H10)=5×12+10×1=60+10=70 g/mol
- Find the number of moles in 5 g of pentene
npentene=molar massmass=70 g/mol5 g=141 mol≈0.0714 mol
- Relate moles of pentene to moles of bromine The addition reaction is:
C5H10+Br2→C5H10Br2
The mole ratio is 1:1. Therefore:
nBr2=npentene=141 mol
- Calculate the mass of Br₂ required Bromine is diatomic: Br₂. Its molar mass is:
M(Br2)=2×80=160 g/mol
So the mass of Br₂ is:
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.Which of the following alkene on reductive ozonolysis gives ketones only as the product (A) 1, 2-butadiene (B) 1, 4-cyclohexadiene (C) But-2-ene (D) 2,3-dimethylbut-2-ene
›Reveal solutionSolution
Reductive ozonolysis cleaves alkenes at the double bond, converting each vinylic carbon into a carbonyl group. To get only ketones, every vinylic carbon must be disubstituted (i.e., have two alkyl groups attached). The only alkene among the options that satisfies this is 2,3-dimethylbut-2-ene, which gives only acetone.
Concept & Intuition
Ozonolysis of an alkene adds ozone across the C=C bond, forming an ozonide. Reductive workup (e.g., with Zn/H₂O or dimethyl sulfide) cleaves the ozonide into two carbonyl compounds. The key rule:
- A vinylic carbon with two hydrogens (terminal =CH₂) becomes formaldehyde (HCHO).
- A vinylic carbon with one hydrogen (=CHR) becomes an aldehyde (RCHO).
- A vinylic carbon with no hydrogens (=CR₂) becomes a ketone (RCOR).
Thus, to get only ketones, every vinylic carbon in the starting alkene must be of the =CR₂ type — no =CH₂ or =CHR groups allowed.
Step-by-step analysis
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Option (A): 1,2-butadiene
Structure: CH₂=C=CH–CH₃. This is an allene (cumulated diene), not a simple alkene. Reductive ozonolysis of an allene cleaves both double bonds, giving a mixture: one terminal =CH₂ yields formaldehyde, the central carbon becomes CO₂ or a ketone depending on substitution, and the other end gives an aldehyde. Definitely not only ketones.
Result: mixture includes aldehydes.
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Option (B): 1,4-cyclohexadiene
Structure: a six-membered ring with two double bonds at positions 1 and 4. Each double bond is of the type –CH=CH– (one H on each vinylic carbon). Reductive ozonolysis cleaves both double bonds, producing dialdehydes (specifically, a linear dialdehyde with four carbons between the two aldehyde groups). No ketones.
Result: only aldehydes.
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Option (C): But-2-ene
Structure: CH₃–CH=CH–CH₃. Each vinylic carbon has one H and one alkyl group (=CHR). Reductive ozonolysis gives two molecules of acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO), an aldehyde.
Result: only aldehydes. …
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.Identify the type of reaction: (A) Electrophilic addition (B) Free radical substitution (C) Nucleophilic addition (D) Free radical addition
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction of propene with HBr under standard conditions (no peroxides, no light) follows Markovnikov’s rule, giving the more stable secondary carbocation intermediate, so the product is 2‑bromopropane. This makes it an electrophilic addition — option (A).
The key concept here is electrophilic addition to alkenes. Alkenes are electron‑rich (due to the π bond) and act as nucleophiles. When HBr approaches, the H⁺ (an electrophile) attacks first, forming a carbocation. The stability of that carbocation determines which carbon the Br⁻ ends up on. Under normal conditions (no peroxides, no light), the reaction follows Markovnikov’s rule: the hydrogen adds to the less‑substituted carbon, and the bromine adds to the more‑substituted carbon. Here, that gives 2‑bromopropane.
Let’s walk through it step by step:
-
Identify the substrate and reagent
Propene is CHX3−CH=CHX2, an unsymmetrical alkene. HBr is a polar molecule with a partial positive charge on H and partial negative on Br. No special conditions (peroxide, light, catalyst) are shown — so we assume ionic, not radical, mechanism.
-
First step: electrophilic attack
The π electrons of the double bond attack the H⁺ of HBr. This forms a carbocation and a bromide ion. Two possible carbocations could form:
- Primary carbocation (if H⁺ adds to the middle carbon): CHX3−CHX2−CHX2X+ (less stable)
- Secondary carbocation (if H⁺ adds to the terminal carbon): CHX3−CHX+−CHX3 (more stable, because it’s stabilised by two alkyl groups)
TipThe secondary carbocation is about 40 kJ/mol more stable than the primary one. This energy difference is the driving force for Markovnikov addition.
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Second step: nucleophilic attack
The bromide ion (Br⁻) quickly attacks the positively charged carbon of the carbocation. In the secondary carbocation, that carbon is the middle carbon (C‑2). So Br⁻ attaches there, giving CHX3−CHBr−CHX3 — exactly the product shown.
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Classify the reaction type
- Electrophilic addition: The alkene adds a molecule across the double bond, with the first step being attack by an electrophile (H⁺). This matches perfectly. …
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- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-M1 markMCQQ.Which one of the following statements is correct?. (A) The major product formed when 2- Methylpropene reacts with dilute H2SO4 is tert. butyl alcohol. (B) The Electrophilic addition to an unsymmetrical alkene always occurs through the formation of a more stable Carbanion intermediate. (C) Between the two alkenes -(i) (CH3)2−C=CH−CH3 and (ii). C6H5−CH=CH−CH2−CH3, compound(i) will show geometrical isomerism (D) Greater the number of alkyl groups attached to the double bonded Carbon atoms, the less stable is the alkene.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The question tests fundamental concepts in alkene chemistry: acid-catalyzed hydration follows Markovnikov’s rule via a carbocation intermediate, not a carbanion; geometrical isomerism requires specific substitution patterns; and alkene stability increases with more alkyl substituents. The only correct statement is (A).
Let’s examine each statement carefully, using the principles of organic reaction mechanisms and structural theory.
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Statement (A): “The major product formed when 2-methylpropene reacts with dilute H₂SO₄ is tert-butyl alcohol.”
- 2-Methylpropene is (CH₃)₂C=CH₂. In dilute H₂SO₄, the alkene undergoes electrophilic addition of water (hydration). The mechanism: the alkene protonates to form the more stable carbocation. Protonation can occur at either carbon of the double bond.
- Protonation at the terminal CH₂ gives a tertiary carbocation: (CH₃)₃C⁺ (very stable).
- Protonation at the central carbon gives a primary carbocation: (CH₃)₂CH–CH₂⁺ (much less stable).
- The reaction proceeds exclusively via the tertiary carbocation, which then reacts with water to give tert-butyl alcohol, (CH₃)₃COH.
- This is a textbook example of Markovnikov addition. So statement (A) is correct.
- 2-Methylpropene is (CH₃)₂C=CH₂. In dilute H₂SO₄, the alkene undergoes electrophilic addition of water (hydration). The mechanism: the alkene protonates to form the more stable carbocation. Protonation can occur at either carbon of the double bond.
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Statement (B): “The electrophilic addition to an unsymmetrical alkene always occurs through the formation of a more stable carbanion intermediate.”
- This is false on two counts. First, the intermediate in electrophilic addition is a carbocation, not a carbanion. Second, the regioselectivity is governed by the stability of the carbocation (Markovnikov’s rule), not a carbanion.
- A carbanion would be involved in nucleophilic addition, not electrophilic addition. So (B) is incorrect.
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Statement (C): “Between the two alkenes — (i) (CH₃)₂C=CH–CH₃ and (ii) C₆H₅–CH=CH–CH₂–CH₃ — compound (i) will show geometrical isomerism.”
- Geometrical isomerism (cis/trans or E/Z) requires that each carbon of the double bond has two different substituents.
- For (i): (CH₃)₂C=CH–CH₃. The left carbon has two methyl groups (identical), so it cannot show geometrical isomerism.
- For (ii): C₆H₅–CH=CH–CH₂–CH₃. The left carbon has H and C₆H₅ (different), the right carbon has H and CH₂CH₃ (different). So (ii) can show geometrical isomerism.
- Thus statement (C) is incorrect. …
- Geometrical isomerism (cis/trans or E/Z) requires that each carbon of the double bond has two different substituents.
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- KCET 2024Set B-21 markMCQQ.8.8 g of monohydric alcohol added to ethyl magnesium iodide in ether liberates 2240 cm3 of ethane at STP. This monohydric alcohol when oxidised using pyridinium-chlorochromate, forms a carbonyl compound that answers silver mirror test (Tollens’ test). The monohydric alcohol is : (A) butan-2-ol (B) 2,2-dimethyl propan-1-ol (C) pentan-2-ol (D) 2,2-dimethyl ethan-1-ol
›Reveal solutionSolution
The ethane volume fixes the moles of alcohol, giving a molar mass of 88 g/mol (a C5 alcohol). The Tollens-positive oxidation product means the alcohol is primary. The only primary C5 alcohol among the options is 2,2-dimethylpropan-1-ol (neopentyl alcohol) — option (B).
Two clues pin down the alcohol. The ethane released with the Grignard reagent gives its molar mass; the positive Tollens (silver-mirror) test on the oxidation product shows that product is an aldehyde, so the alcohol must be primary.
- Molar mass from the gas volume. A monohydric alcohol reacts with ethyl magnesium iodide as:
ROH+C2H5MgI→R–O–MgI+C2H6↑
One mole of alcohol releases one mole of ethane. At STP, 1 mole occupies 22400 cm3, so:
moles of ethane=224002240=0.1 mol
Thus moles of alcohol =0.1, and:
molar mass=0.18.8=88 g/mol
- Identify the carbon count. For CnH2n+2O:
12n+(2n+2)+16=88⟹14n+18=88⟹n=5
So the alcohol is C5H12O — a pentanol isomer.
- Use the Tollens test to fix the structure. PCC oxidises primary alcohols to aldehydes and secondary alcohols to ketones; only an aldehyde gives a silver mirror. So the alcohol is primary. Of the options, butan-2-ol (A) and pentan-2-ol (C) are secondary (they give ketones), and 2,2-dimethylethan-1-ol (D) is only a C4 name with molar mass 74 — it fails the mass check. The primary C5 alcohol is 2,2-dimethylpropan-1-ol (B). …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] Identify [B] and [C] formed in the reactions given below.
(A) [B] Propene [C] Propanal (B) [B] Cyclopropane [C] Ethanal (C) [B] Propane [C] Ethanol (D) [B] Propyne [C] Propanone›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to recognize that C₃H₄Br₄ is 1,1,2,2‑tetrabromopropane; Zn dust eliminates four bromines to give propyne ([B]), which then undergoes hydration with Hg²⁺/H⁺ to form propanone ([C]), which gives a positive iodoform test. The correct option is (D).
Concept and intuition:
The molecular formula C₃H₄Br₄ suggests a saturated four‑bromine derivative of propane. When treated with Zn dust and heat, vicinal dibromides lose Br₂ to form alkenes; here, with four bromines, two successive eliminations occur, yielding a triple bond. The product [B] is therefore an alkyne. Then, Hg²⁺/H⁺ hydration of terminal alkynes gives methyl ketones (Markovnikov addition), and methyl ketones give the iodoform test. So [C] must be a methyl ketone with three carbons — propanone (acetone). Let’s verify step by step.
- Identify the starting compound C₃H₄Br₄ With 3 carbons and 4 bromines, the only possible saturated structure is 1,1,2,2‑tetrabromopropane:
CH3–CBr2–CHBr2
(Other arrangements like 1,1,1,2‑tetrabromopropane would have a different H count; here H₄ fits exactly.)
- Reaction with Zn dust (dehalogenation) Zn dust removes vicinal bromine pairs. The first elimination gives an alkene:
CH3–CBr2–CHBr2ZnCH3–CBr=CHBr+ZnBr2
The second elimination (still with excess Zn) removes the remaining two bromines:
CH3–CBr=CHBrZnCH3–C≡CH+ZnBr2
So [B] is propyne (methylacetylene).
- Hydration of [B] with Hg²⁺/H⁺ Hg²⁺/H⁺ adds water across the triple bond following Markovnikov’s rule: the OH ends up on the more substituted carbon. For propyne:
CH3–C≡CH+H2OHg2+/H+CH3–C(OH)=CH2
The enol tautomerizes immediately to the more stable keto form:
- KCET 2023Set D-21 markMCQQ.
C6H5OH NaOH A(i) CO2(ii) H+B(i) (CH3CO)2O(ii) H+Y (Major product) Y in the above reaction is (A) Salicylaldehyde (B) Aspirin (C) Cumene (D) Picric acid
›Reveal solutionSolution
Phenol → sodium phenoxide (NaOH) → salicylic acid (Kolbe–Schmitt, CO₂/H⁺) → acetylation with acetic anhydride gives aspirin.
Step 1 — A: sodium phenoxide.
Phenol is weakly acidic (pKa≈10) because the phenoxide left behind is resonance-stabilised. NaOH therefore deprotonates it:
C6H5OH+NaOH⟶C6H5O−Na++H2O
A=sodium phenoxide
Why this step is needed: the phenoxide ion is a far stronger activator of the ring than phenol itself (the full negative charge is delocalised onto the ortho and para carbons), making the ring nucleophilic enough to attack a weak electrophile like CO2 in the next step.
Step 2 — B: the Kolbe–Schmitt reaction → salicylic acid.
Sodium phenoxide is heated with CO2 under pressure (~400 K, 4–7 atm). The electron-rich ortho carbon attacks CO2 (electrophilic substitution on the ring); acidification with H+ then liberates the free acid:
C6H5O−Na+(i) CO2 (ii) H+ (2-hydroxybenzoic acid)o-HO-C6H4-COOH
B=salicylic acid
(The ortho product dominates because the incoming carboxylate is held near the phenoxide oxygen — chelation with Na+.)
Step 3 — Y: acetylation with acetic anhydride → aspirin.
Salicylic acid still has a free phenolic −OH. Acetic anhydride, (CH3CO)2O, acetylates that −OH to an ester (−OCOCH3), leaving the −COOH untouched:
o-HO-C6H4-COOH (CH3CO)2O/H+ o-CH3COO-C6H4-COOH
Y=acetylsalicylic acid=ASPIRIN …
- KCET 2022Set B-31 markMCQQ.In Kolbes reaction the reacting substances are (A) Sodium phenate and CCl4 (B) Phenol and CHCl3 (C) Sodium phenate and CO2 (D) Phenol and CCl4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Kolbe’s reaction is a carboxylation of phenol using sodium phenoxide and carbon dioxide under pressure, giving salicylic acid. The correct reactants are sodium phenate and CO₂ — option (C).
The Kolbe–Schmitt reaction (commonly called Kolbe’s reaction) is a classic method to introduce a carboxyl group (–COOH) directly onto the aromatic ring of phenol. The key insight is that phenol itself is not reactive enough toward CO₂; you need the more nucleophilic phenoxide ion (from sodium phenate) to attack the electrophilic carbon of CO₂. The reaction proceeds under high pressure and temperature, and after acidification, yields ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid).
Let’s walk through the reasoning step by step.
- What the reaction actually does Kolbe’s reaction converts phenol into salicylic acid. The overall transformation is:
C6H5OH1. NaOH, CO2,pressure, heatthen H+o-HO-C6H4-COOH
The carboxyl group attaches ortho to the –OH group. This is an electrophilic aromatic substitution where CO₂ acts as the electrophile.
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Why sodium phenate is necessary
Phenol (C₆H₅OH) is a weak acid. Treating it with NaOH gives sodium phenoxide (C₆H₅O⁻Na⁺). The phenoxide ion is far more electron-rich than phenol itself — the negative charge on oxygen is delocalised into the ring, making the ortho and para positions strongly nucleophilic. CO₂ is a weak electrophile, so only the activated phenoxide can attack it.
Watch outA common mistake is to think phenol reacts directly with CO₂. It does not — the reaction requires the phenoxide ion. So the reactants are sodium phenate and CO₂, not phenol and CO₂.
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The role of CO₂ …
- KCET 2019Set A-11 markMCQQ.0.1 mole of XeF6 is treated with 1.8 g of water. The product obtained is (A) XeO3 (B) XeOF4 (C) XeO2F2 (D) Xe+XeO3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Compare moles: 0.1 mol XeF6 to 0.1 mol H2O is a 1 : 1 ratio, which gives partial hydrolysis to XeOF4, not full hydrolysis to XeO3.
Step 1 — Convert the water mass to moles.
M(H2O)=2(1)+16=18 g mol−1
n(H2O)=18 g mol−11.8 g=0.1 mol
Step 2 — Compare with the XeF6.
n(XeF6)=0.1 mol
⇒n(XeF6):n(H2O)=0.1:0.1=1:1
The whole question turns on this ratio — the stoichiometry of the water decides which product forms.
Step 3 — The hydrolysis ladder of XeF6.
XeF6 hydrolyses in stages, each water molecule replacing two F atoms by one O:
Water taken Reaction Product 1 mol (partial) XeF6+H2O→XeOF4+2HF XeOF4 2 mol (partial) XeF6+2H2O→XeO2F2+4HF XeO2F2 3 mol (complete) XeF6+3H2O→XeO3+6HF XeO3 Step 4 — Pick the stage set by our 1 : 1 ratio.
With exactly one mole of water per mole of XeF6, hydrolysis stops at the first stage: …
- KCET 2018Set A-11 markMCQQ.When the vapours of tertiary butyl alcohol are passed through heated copper at 573 K, the product formed is (A) But-2-ene (B) 2-Butanone (C) 2-Methyl propene (D) Butanal
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tertiary alcohols undergo dehydration to alkenes when passed over hot copper; the product is 2-methylpropene (isobutylene).
The key here is recognising what happens when an alcohol vapour is passed over heated copper at 573 K. This is a classic dehydration reaction — the copper acts as a catalyst, and the high temperature drives the elimination of water. For tertiary alcohols, the reaction follows Zaitsev’s rule, but because the alcohol is tertiary, the most substituted alkene is also the only possible one due to the carbon skeleton.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
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Identify the alcohol. Tertiary butyl alcohol is (CH3)3COH — a tertiary carbon (attached to three methyl groups) bonded to an –OH group.
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Recall the reaction conditions. Passing alcohol vapours over heated copper at 573 K is a standard method for dehydration. The copper catalyses the elimination of water, forming an alkene. This is similar to using concentrated H2SO4 at high temperature, but with a solid catalyst.
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Determine the elimination product. Dehydration removes the –OH and a hydrogen from an adjacent carbon. In (CH3)3COH, the carbon bearing the –OH has no hydrogen atoms (it’s tertiary and fully substituted with methyl groups). So the hydrogen must come from one of the three methyl groups.
Removing a hydrogen from any methyl group gives the same alkene: the double bond forms between the central carbon and that methyl carbon. The product is (CH3)2C=CH2, which is 2-methylpropene (also called isobutylene).
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Check the options.
- (A) But-2-ene: CH3CH=CHCH3 — requires a four-carbon straight chain, not possible here. …
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