2 x 1 hour lessons

This module focuses on alkenes — unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon–carbon double bond. You’ll study the bonding and shape of alkenes, including the role of the π-bond in determining their reactivity.

You’ll explore the electrophilic addition reactions of alkenes with halogens, hydrogen halides, and steam (with an acid catalyst). The module also covers how to draw and interpret curly arrow mechanisms for these reactions and how to use Markovnikov’s rule to predict the major product when adding to unsymmetrical alkenes.

By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the structure and bonding in alkenes

• Explain why alkenes are more reactive than alkanes

• Outline electrophilic addition mechanisms using curly arrows

• Predict major products using Markovnikov’s rule

OCR (A) specification points covered: 4.1.3 Alkenes