The discussion centers on the electrophilic addition of ethene with bromine water (Br2(aq)), specifically addressing why water does not intervene during the initial stage of the reaction. It is established that the reaction proceeds through the formation of a bromonium ion, which is an electrophile, allowing water to attack the second carbon atom after the first carbon has bonded with bromine. The presence of the bromonium ion is crucial as it prevents the formation of a full carbocation and ensures that only one hydroxyl group bonds with the carbon across the double bond, rather than both carbons being bonded to hydroxide ions.
PREREQUISITESChemistry students, organic chemists, and anyone interested in understanding reaction mechanisms involving electrophilic addition and the behavior of nucleophiles and electrophiles in chemical reactions.
Originally posted by garytse86
When ethene undergoes electrophilic addition with bromine water Br2(aq), at the second stage the water reacts with the second carbon,and a hydroxyl group bonds with the carbon across the double bond instead of the bromide ion. Why doesn't water intervene at the first stage, i.e. when the first electrophile bonds with the first carbon atom?
Originally posted by garytse86
Yes like what you have said the reaction has to be started by bromine, so why shouldn't both carbon be bonded to OH-, not just one OH-?
Originally posted by garytse86
I mean as soon as the bromide ion reacts with the carbon, can't the hydroxide take its place so that no bromide ions join, since the surrounding is all water?