Question

The compound 2,3 -dibromo-2-methylhexane is formed by addition of \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}\) to an alkene. Identify the alkene, and write an equation for this reaction.

Short answer

The alkene is 2-methyl-2-hexene. Reaction: 2-methyl-2-hexene + Br2 → 2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

We are given a compound, 2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane, which is formed by the addition of \( \mathrm{Br}_{2} \) to an alkene. Our task is to identify this starting alkene and write a chemical equation for the reaction.

Identify the Compound Structure

The compound 2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane has bromine atoms on the second and third carbon atoms of the chain and a methyl group on the second carbon atom. The main chain is a hexane chain, which consists of six carbon atoms in a row.

Determine the Alkene Structure

The addition of \( \mathrm{Br}_{2} \) to an alkene occurs across a double bond. This means our starting alkene must have had a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms to allow for the addition of the two bromine atoms in these positions.

Draw or Describe the Alkene

The alkene that would fit this criteria is 2-methyl-2-hexene. It has a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms, and a methyl group attached to the second carbon atom. The rest of the carbon chain is a continuation of the hexane structure.

Write the Reaction Equation

The reaction can be represented as follows: 2-methyl-2-hexene \( + \mathrm{Br}_{2} \rightarrow \) 2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane. This shows the addition of the bromine across the double bond, yielding the saturated dibromo compound.

Key concepts

2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane

2,3-Dibromo-2-methylhexane is a specific type of organic compound created through the process of bromination of alkenes. In its structure, this compound includes bromine atoms located on the second and third carbon atoms in a six-carbon chain, known as hexane. Additionally, there is a methyl group attached to the second carbon atom.

Understanding its structure plays a crucial role when learning about chemical reactions involving alkenes. When bromine (\(\mathrm{Br}_{2}\)) interacts with an alkene, it adds to the double bond, leading to compounds like 2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane. Such transformations showcase the practical application and significance of understanding organic reactions.

alkene reaction

The alkene reaction leading to the formation of 2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane is a classic example of an addition reaction. Alkenes are hydrocarbons containing one or more double bonds, which have high reactivity compared to single bonds.

When bromine is added to an alkene, the double bond opens up, allowing each bromine atom to attach to the adjacent carbon atoms. This specific reaction takes place across the carbon atoms that were originally involved in the double bond. Helpfully, the presence of a double bond on the alkene is what allows it to interact with bromine, forming the brominated product. This reaction is also useful in determining the degree of unsaturation within organic compounds.

chemical equation

A chemical equation visually represents the transformation from reactants to products in a chemical reaction.

In discussing the bromination of alkenes, the chemical equation effectively illustrates the addition of bromine to our alkene, which, in this case, is 2-methyl-2-hexene. The equation for this specific reaction is:

• 2-methyl-2-hexene \( \;+\;\mathrm{Br}_{2}\;\rightarrow\;2,3-\text{dibromo-2-methylhexane} \)

This equation highlights what changes occur during the reaction, particularly how the double bond in the alkene is targeted by the bromine, transforming it into a saturated dibromo compound. Writing and understanding such equations are fundamental when exploring reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry.

double bond addition

Double bond addition is a key concept in understanding how new compounds are created from alkenes. The double bonds in alkenes are regions of high electron density, making them susceptible to attack by halogens like bromine.

During the bromination process, the double bond in the alkene breaks and forms single bonds to each of the bromine atoms, converting the alkene into a dibromoalkane. This specific reaction of 2,3-dibromo-2-methylhexane exemplifies how double bond addition works.

• The double bond between carbons two and three enables the addition of bromine.
• Once the double bond opens, each carbon bonds to a bromine atom, resulting in a dibromo compound.

This mechanistic insight into double bond addition is crucial for understanding various organic reactions.