➕Addition reaction vs Substitution reaction🔁
Addition and substitution are two core organic reaction types. Whether atoms are added or swapped sets them apart.
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➕Addition reaction
- ✓Atoms add across a multiple bond
- ✓Double or triple bond becomes single
- ✓Typical of unsaturated compounds
- ✓No small molecule is released
- ✓Example: bromine adding to an alkene
🔁Substitution reaction
- ✓One atom or group replaces another
- ✓Bonds are swapped, not added
- ✓Typical of saturated and aromatic compounds
- ✓Often releases a small molecule
- ✓Example: chlorination of an alkane
Verdict
Addition reactions saturate a multiple bond by adding atoms; substitution reactions swap one group for another. Unsaturated compounds favor addition, saturated ones favor substitution.
Frequently asked
Which compounds undergo addition?+
Unsaturated compounds with double or triple bonds, like alkenes and alkynes.
What happens in a substitution reaction?+
An atom or group on the molecule is replaced by a different atom or group.
Why do aromatics prefer substitution?+
Substitution keeps the stable aromatic ring intact, while addition would break it.
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