Why is #Br_2# an electrophile?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 15, 2016

Because the #Br-Br# bond is polarizable.

Explanation:

The halogen molecules have a large, polarizable electron cloud that (so we assume) can be distorted. #""^(delta+)X-X^(delta-)# representations are very common, and these explain the reaction of the halogens with electron rich olefin species.

Interhalogen species, say #I-Br# can also undergo electrophilic substitution. The iodine end of the molecule is more polarizable. The bromine is more electronegative. With an unsymmetrical alkene, say propylene, that reacts with 1 equiv #I-Br#, which alkyl halides would you predict you would get?

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