Unit 7: Alkenes: Structure and Reactivity
- Page ID
- 44293
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This, the first of two units devoted to the chemistry of alkenes, begins by describing the natural occurrence of certain alkenes, and then shows the industrial importance of the two simplest members of this family: ethylene and propylene. The electronic structure of alkenes is reviewed, and their nomenclature discussed in detail. After dealing with the question of cis-trans isomerism in alkenes, Unit 7 provides a general introduction to the reactivity of the carbon-carbon double bond. Finally, the unit focuses on one specific reaction, the addition of hydrogen halides to alkenes, using it to introduce a number of important concepts, including carbocation stability and the Hammond postulate.