The addition reaction of alkenes is a type of chemical reaction in which atoms or groups of atoms are added across the carbon–carbon double bond (C=C) of an alkene. During this reaction, the double bond breaks, and each of the two carbons forms a new single bond with the added atoms.
Key Features:
- The double bond in alkenes makes them unsaturated, meaning they can add more atoms.
- The reaction saturates the molecule (converts the double bond to a single bond).
- Addition reactions are typical of alkenes due to the high reactivity of the C=C bond.
Common Types of Addition Reactions (without equations):
- Hydrogenation: Addition of hydrogen to the double bond.
- Halogenation: Addition of halogens (like chlorine or bromine).
- Hydrohalogenation: Addition of hydrogen halides (like HCl or HBr).
- Hydration: Addition of water (H₂O) in the presence of an acid.
These reactions are widely used in industrial chemistry, such as producing margarine from vegetable oils (hydrogenation) or synthesizing alcohols (hydration).