2 x 1 hour lessons

This module revisits the bonding and reactivity of alkenes, focusing on their electrophilic addition reactions. You'll analyse how the π bond influences reactivity, understand the formation of major and minor products via carbocation intermediates, and become confident in drawing and interpreting curly arrow mechanisms.

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• Describe the bonding in alkenes, including the nature of the π bond

• Explain why alkenes undergo electrophilic addition reactions

• Write mechanisms for the electrophilic addition of HBr, Br₂, and H₂SO₄

• Use curly arrow notation to show the movement of electrons in mechanisms

• Predict the major and minor products of unsymmetrical addition reactions

• Explain the concept of carbocation stability and how it affects product distribution

AQA Specification Points:

3.11 Structure, bonding and reactivity

3.12 Addition reactions of alkenes