CHEM 205 Worksheet (WS7)
57 Points Total
Key Topics: Alkene Addition Reactions
1. In the empty boxes (a-l), draw the structure of the MAJOR product expected following each alkene
addition reaction shown. Be careful, two of the reactions below will undergo a carbocation
rearrangement. (2pts for each product shown having correct connectivity of atoms)
Also include the following for the applicable:
• Show the relative stereochemistry of the product clearly using appropriate dashes/wedges for
each reaction letter indicated with ** (1pt each case for correct stereochemistry shown)
• Underline the two reaction products considered to be meso (2pts)
• Circle the only two reactions below that are Anti-Markovnikov alkene additions. (2pts each)
• For reaction (j) draw the major product in the favored chair conformation. (1pt)
2. The reaction shown below was performed as part of a research program funded by the National
Institute of Health (NIH) to develop therapeutic agents for the treatment of cocaine addiction.
(a) (15pts) Using what you have learned in Chapter 8 about the addition reactions of halogens with
alkenes draw a complete arrow-pushing mechanism for this process to include the following:
• Show all arrows for each mechanistic step, to illustrate correct electron flow
• Structures of all reaction intermediates formed in the mechanism must be shown correctly,
including the key cyclic iodonium ion intermediate
• Underline the iodonium ion intermediate that is formed in the reaction
• Stereochemistry of reaction intermediates consistent with the product stereochemistry shown
• Formal charges where applicable
(b) (2pts) Circle the correct option to describe the overall stereospecificity of this reaction.
Syn-addition or Anti-addition
(c) (3pts) Carbocation rearrangements are not possible in this reaction. This is due to the fact that a cyclic
halonium ion intermediate forms, rather than a more traditional carbocation intermediate. In one
sentence, explain why the cyclic halonium ion intermediate in general is considered more stable than a
carbocation, and in turn prevents any possible rearrangement from happening in this reaction?
