monoaddition

Monoaddition is a chemical reaction in which a single molecule of a reagent is added to a molecule, resulting in the formation of a single product. This process is commonly observed in organic chemistry, where it often involves the addition of a nucleophile or an electrophile to an unsaturated bond, such as an alkene or alkyne. The term "monoaddition" distinguishes this reaction from polyaddition reactions, where multiple molecules of the reagent are added to the substrate.

In monoaddition reactions, the reagent typically attacks one of the unsaturated bonds in the substrate, leading to the formation of a new, saturated bond. The reaction can be classified as either electrophilic or nucleophilic, depending on the nature of the reagent. Electrophilic monoaddition involves the attack of an electrophile, such as a carbocation or a proton, on the unsaturated bond, while nucleophilic monoaddition involves the attack of a nucleophile, such as a halide ion or a hydroxide ion.

Monoaddition reactions are often used in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, as they allow for the selective modification of a single bond in a molecule. They are also important in the production of various industrial chemicals, such as polymers and pharmaceuticals. The mechanism of monoaddition reactions can be complex, involving intermediate steps such as the formation of carbocations or carbanions, but the overall process is well-understood and widely used in chemical synthesis.