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ALKENES
EXERCISES
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Exercise 1 (LO20. understand the bonding in alkenes in terms of σ - and π- bonds)

1.1 Draw the dot and cross diagram of the bonding in ethene (CH2=CH2).

1.2 What is the full electron configuration of carbon?

1.3 Draw diagrams of the three ways in which a sigma (σ) bond can form:

1.

2.

3.

1.4 Draw a labelled diagram to illustrate the formation of a pi (π) bond.

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1.5
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Naming EZ isomers
(LO7. understand the term ‘stereoisomerism’, as illustrated by E/Z isomerism (including cis-trans
isomerism where two of the substituent groups are the same))

Naming of EZ isomers comes from the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) rules.

Priority of the groups attached to the C atoms of the double bond:

Look at the atoms attached to the C atoms, the higher the Ar, the higher the priority.

If the high priority groups are on the same side then: Z (zusammen)

If the high priority groups are on the opposite sides then: E (entgegen)

Worked example:
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Cis/trans isomerism

Cis and trans are the names given to E/Z isomers that have two groups that are the
same e.g. CH3 in the but-2-enes.

Cis comes from the Latin meaning ‘on this side’ and trans from the Latin meaning
across (see transatlantic). Often, in simple cases cis converts to (Z) and trans into (E).

Simple conversion from EZ to cis/trans can break down:

1.6 Name the following:

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Exercise 2 - naming stereoisomers (use E/Z and cis-trans as appropriate)

(LO7. understand the term ‘stereoisomerism’, as illustrated by E/Z isomerism (including cis-trans
isomerism where two of the substituent groups are the same))
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Exercise 3
(LO7. understand the term ‘stereoisomerism’, as illustrated by E/Z isomerism (including cis-trans
isomerism where two of the substituent groups are the same))
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Exercise 4
(LO22. understand the addition reactions of alkenes with:
ii) halogens to produce dihalogenoalkanes
iii) hydrogen halides to produce halogenoalkanes
LO24. understand the mechanism of the electrophilic addition reactions between alkenes and:
i. Halogens
ii. hydrogen halides, including addition to unsymmetrical alkenes
iii. other given binary compounds
Use of the curly arrow notation is expected − curly arrows should start from either a bond or from a lone
pair of electrons.
Knowledge of the relative stability of primary, secondary and tertiary carbocation intermediates is
expected.)
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Exercise 5
LO26. know that alkenes form polymers through addition polymerisation’
Be able to identify the repeat unit of an addition polymer given the monomer, and vice
versa.
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