Which reaction is characteristic of alkenes?
- A. Free radical substitution
- B. Electrophilic addition
- C. Nucleophilic substitution
- D. Electrophilic substitution
Explanation
The exposed pi electrons of the double bond attract electrophiles, which add across the bond and convert an unsaturated compound into a saturated one, as happens with bromine, hydrogen halides and water. Alkanes undergo free radical substitution and benzene undergoes electrophilic substitution, which preserves its delocalised ring. Addition is favoured because the pi bond is weaker than a sigma bond.
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