Word: Addition Reaction
Definition: An "addition reaction" is a type of chemical reaction where one molecule combines with another molecule to form a larger molecule. This means that new atoms or groups of atoms are added together.
Usage Instructions: You can use "addition reaction" when discussing chemistry, especially in organic chemistry. It describes a specific process that happens when certain types of compounds react with each other.
Example: - In organic chemistry, a common addition reaction occurs when ethene (C₂H₄) reacts with bromine (Br₂) to form dibromoethane (C₂H₄Br₂). Here, bromine is added to the ethene molecule.
Advanced Usage: In a more advanced context, addition reactions are often categorized into different types, such as electrophilic addition, nucleophilic addition, and radical addition, depending on the nature of the reactants involved.
Word Variants: - The term "addition" can also refer to the act of adding something in general, but in chemistry, it specifically refers to this type of reaction. - The verb form is "to add," which means to combine or join something to something else.
Different Meaning:Outside of chemistry, "addition" can refer to the mathematical process of combining numbers. For example, in math, 2 + 3 = 5 is an addition problem.
Synonyms: - In a chemical context, you might refer to it as a "combination reaction," though this term can have a broader meaning.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that relate directly to "addition reaction," but you might hear phrases like "add on" in everyday conversation, which means to include something additional.
Conclusion:Overall, an "addition reaction" is a key concept in chemistry that describes how molecules can combine to create new substances.