Question detail

Why are alkenes susceptible to attack by electrophiles?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Alkenes

Question

A. They have a high electron density in the double bond
B. They are saturated hydrocarbons
C. They contain only single bonds
D. They are stable compounds

Answer

They have a high electron density in the double bond

Explanation

Alkenes have a high electron density due to the presence of the double bond (C=C), which makes them attractive to electrophiles that seek to gain electrons. This leads to electrophilic addition reactions.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Unsaturation

Students often describe alkenes as saturated hydrocarbons instead of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Remember that alkenes contain at least one double bond (C=C), which makes them unsaturated. The formula for alkenes is CnH2n, indicating they have fewer hydrogen atoms than saturated hydrocarbons.

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