Label the reactants in these acid–base reactions as Lewis acids (electrophiles) or Lewis bases (nucleophiles). Use curved arrows to show the movement of electron pairs in the reactions. i.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the Lewis acid and Lewis base: In the given reaction, BF₃ is a Lewis acid because it can accept an electron pair, and CH₂=CH₂ is a Lewis base because it can donate an electron pair.
Recognize the electrophile and nucleophile: The Lewis acid (BF₃) acts as an electrophile, and the Lewis base (CH₂=CH₂) acts as a nucleophile.
Draw the curved arrow: Use a curved arrow to indicate the movement of electron pairs from the π bond of the alkene (CH₂=CH₂) to the electron-deficient carbon atom bonded to BF₃.
Understand the reaction mechanism: The electron pair from the alkene attacks the carbocation, forming a new bond between the alkene and the carbocation, resulting in the extended carbon chain.
Label the final structure: After the electron pair movement, the BF₃ group is attached to the extended carbon chain, and the positive charge is now on the terminal carbon atom of the chain.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1m
Play a video:
0 Comments
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Lewis Acids and Bases
Lewis acids are species that accept electron pairs, while Lewis bases donate electron pairs. In the given reaction, BF3 acts as a Lewis acid because it can accept electron pairs, and the alkene (CH2=CH2) acts as a Lewis base, donating electron pairs to form a bond with the carbocation.
Electrophiles are electron-deficient species that seek electrons, while nucleophiles are electron-rich species that donate electrons. In the reaction, the carbocation (CH2+) is an electrophile, seeking electrons from the nucleophilic alkene (CH2=CH2), which donates electrons to form a new bond.
Curved arrows are used in organic chemistry to depict the movement of electron pairs during reactions. In the image, curved arrows should show the electron pair from the alkene moving towards the carbocation, indicating the formation of a new bond and the electron flow from the nucleophile to the electrophile.