Bromoethane

Definition

Bromoethane, also known as ethyl bromide, is a colorless, volatile organic compound with the chemical formula C2H5Br. It is an important intermediate in organic synthesis and is commonly used in the context of the addition of hydrogen bromide (HBr) to ethylene, which is an example of a polar reaction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The addition of hydrogen bromide (HBr) to ethylene is an example of a polar reaction that produces bromoethane as the product.
2. In this reaction, the hydrogen atom of the HBr molecule attaches to one carbon of the ethylene molecule, while the bromine atom attaches to the other carbon, forming the bromoethane product.
3. The polarity of the HBr molecule and the unsymmetrical nature of the ethylene molecule contribute to the polar nature of this reaction.
4. Bromoethane is an important intermediate in organic synthesis and is commonly used in the preparation of other organic compounds.
5. The formation of bromoethane through the addition of HBr to ethylene is a key example of a simple, yet fundamental, organic reaction that demonstrates the principles of polarity and reactivity.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of bromoethane in the addition of HBr to ethylene, and how this reaction is an example of a polar reaction.
  • Bromoethane is the product formed when hydrogen bromide (HBr) is added to the alkene ethylene. In this polar reaction, the polar HBr molecule interacts with the unsymmetrical ethylene molecule, leading to the unequal sharing of electrons. This results in the formation of partial charges on the reactants, with the hydrogen atom of HBr attaching to one carbon of ethylene and the bromine atom attaching to the other carbon, producing the bromoethane product. The polarity of the reactants and the unsymmetrical nature of the ethylene molecule are key factors that contribute to the polar character of this addition reaction.
• Describe the importance of bromoethane as an intermediate in organic synthesis and its relationship to the addition of HBr to ethylene.
  • Bromoethane is an important intermediate in organic synthesis, as it can be used to prepare a variety of other organic compounds. The formation of bromoethane through the addition of hydrogen bromide (HBr) to ethylene is a fundamental organic reaction that demonstrates the principles of polarity and reactivity. This reaction is an example of a polar addition reaction, where the polar HBr molecule interacts with the unsymmetrical ethylene molecule, leading to the unequal sharing of electrons and the formation of the bromoethane product. Understanding the formation and properties of bromoethane in this context is crucial for understanding more complex organic reactions and synthesis pathways.
• Analyze the factors that contribute to the polar nature of the addition of HBr to ethylene, and explain how these factors relate to the formation and reactivity of bromoethane.
  • The addition of hydrogen bromide (HBr) to ethylene is an example of a polar reaction due to the polarity of the HBr molecule and the unsymmetrical nature of the ethylene molecule. In this reaction, the unequal sharing of electrons between the hydrogen and bromine atoms in HBr, as well as the unsymmetrical distribution of electrons in the ethylene molecule, lead to the formation of partial charges on the reactants. This polarity facilitates the selective addition of the hydrogen and bromine atoms to the ethylene molecule, resulting in the production of bromoethane. The polar character of this reaction is a key factor in determining the reactivity and stability of the bromoethane product, which can then be used as an important intermediate in various organic synthesis pathways. Understanding the relationship between polarity, reactivity, and the formation of bromoethane is essential for predicting and controlling the outcomes of organic reactions.

Related terms

Ethylene:

Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with the chemical formula C2H4. It is the simplest alkene and is commonly used in organic reactions, including the addition of hydrogen bromide to form bromoethane.

Hydrogen Bromide (HBr): Hydrogen bromide is a colorless, corrosive gas with the chemical formula HBr. It is a strong hydrohalic acid that is often used in organic reactions, including the addition to ethylene to form bromoethane.

Polar Reaction:

A polar reaction is a chemical reaction in which the breaking and forming of bonds involves the unequal sharing of electrons, resulting in the formation of partial charges on the reactants and products.