

Addition of non-symmetrical reagent (i.e. A-B where A is not equal to B) to a non-symmetrical alkene (i.e. where the groups at each end of the double bond are different), then two isomeric products that are constitutional isomers can be obtained. For example, the reaction of HCl with propene gives 1-chloropropane and 2-chloropropane.

reaction of propene and HCl

Normally, 2-chloropropane is the major product.

We will talk about this particular reaction in more detail later.


When an alkene undergoes addition, two new s bonds are formed.  If we think of an alkene as having two faces, then the two new s bonds can either both form on the same face, which we call syn addition, or they can be formed on different faces which we call anti addition.  Do you remember these terms from Chapter 3 ?  A simplified illustration is provided below along with the corresponding interactive JSMOL models. Remember that an alkene unit is planar. The alkene has been drawn in a wedge hash type style which means that the substituents on the C=C are into and out of the page. This means that the two faces of the alkene are above and below the where the alkene makes the horizontal plane. Syn addition results when the two new bonds are both formed to the same face of the alkene, in this case they are shown to have formed on the top face. Anti addition results when the two new bonds have formed to opposite faces.

stereochemistry of addition to alkenes
new bonds to X and Y have formed to the same face
new bonds to X and Y have formed to opposite faces

Note : This is a simplification.... in the case of a simple alkene like ethene, the free rotation of the C-C bond means that the two product structures are conformational isomers and rapidly inconvert. However with cyclic alkenes, where the ring structure prevents the free rotation, the two products are stereoisomers and are more obvious.

stereochemistry of addition to cyclic alkene

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