Addition Reactions

Addition Reactions to Alkenes & Alkynes

Master electrophilic addition, Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov selectivity, and alkyne reactions with a dedicated one-on-one Ochem tutor.

Part of our complete Ochem Tutor program, alongside our full mechanisms tutoring.

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What We Cover

Electrophilic addition to alkenes (HX, X2, H2O/H+)
Markovnikov vs. anti-Markovnikov selectivity
Hydroboration-oxidation mechanism
Addition reactions of alkynes
Halogenation & halohydrin formation
Common exam traps and how to avoid them

Common Struggles With Addition Reactions

I don't know when to apply Markovnikov's rule.

We connect Markovnikov selectivity directly to carbocation stability, so you can predict the major product from the mechanism itself rather than memorizing a rule.

Hydroboration-oxidation feels like a completely separate topic.

We teach it as the anti-Markovnikov counterpart to acid-catalyzed hydration, so the two reactions reinforce each other instead of feeling unrelated.

Alkyne addition reactions confuse me even more than alkenes.

We build alkyne addition directly on top of what you already know about alkenes, showing where the extra pi bond changes (or doesn't change) the outcome.

Meet Your Tutor

Dr. R Ramajayam

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Doctorate in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry
Over 10,000 teaching sessions completed since 2007
Teaching experience at IIT and international universities, including Osaka University (Japan) and National Taiwan University
4.9/5 average student rating

Frequently Asked Questions

In electrophilic addition to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen adds to the carbon with more existing hydrogens, and the other group adds to the more substituted carbon — because that pathway goes through the more stable carbocation.

Ready to Master Addition Reactions?

Book a trial class and get Markovnikov selectivity to click with clear, step-by-step reasoning.

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