Chapter 23.2, Problem 10LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To know the use of addition reactions in organic chemistry.

Concept introduction: When two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, it is known as an addition reaction. The general chemical reaction for the addition reaction is given as

  $\text{A+B}\to \text{C}$ . In this case, A and B are the reactants that combine to form C that is a larger molecule than C.

Answer to Problem 10LC

New functional groups can be introduced to the reaction with the help of an addition reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Addition reactions can be used to form new and larger molecules in organic chemistry. In these reactions, double and triple bonds are broken to introduce new atoms.

  ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{ = CH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{ + Cl}}_{\text{2 }}\to {\text{ CH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{Cl — CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{Cl}$

From the above example, it is clear that the bond between the two carbons in the ethene molecule breaks down and the chlorine atom gets introduced which results in the formation of a new product that is Di-Chloroethane, a larger molecule than the ethene.

Conclusion

In addition reaction, saturated compounds which are larger are formed from an unsaturated compound. In these reactions, an electrophile, a nucleophile, or a free radical can be added to the reactant molecule by breaking the double and triple bonds.