Electrophilic Addition
A reaction in which an electrophile adds across a carbon–carbon multiple bond, converting a pi bond into two sigma bonds.
Formula / equation
C=C + E–Nu → C(E)–C(Nu)
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The electron-rich pi bond attacks the electrophile to give a carbocation or cyclic intermediate, which the nucleophile then captures. This is the characteristic reaction of alkenes and alkynes, and its regiochemistry follows the stability of the intermediate.
Examples in the real world
Bromine adding to ethene to give 1,2-dibromoethane, decolourising bromine water in seconds.