Here's why:
* Electrophile: Bromine (Br₂) is an electrophile. It is attracted to electron-rich areas.
* Alkene: Cyclohexene has a carbon-carbon double bond, which is a region of high electron density.
* Mechanism:
1. The bromine molecule approaches the double bond of cyclohexene.
2. The electrons in the double bond attack one of the bromine atoms, breaking the bromine-bromine bond.
3. This forms a cyclic bromonium ion intermediate, which is then attacked by a bromide ion from the solution.
4. The final product is 1,2-dibromocyclohexane.
Key Features of the Reaction:
* Stereospecific: The reaction proceeds with anti-stereochemistry, meaning the two bromine atoms add to opposite sides of the double bond.
* Color Change: The reaction is easily observed as the reddish-brown color of bromine disappears as it is consumed.
Let me know if you'd like a more detailed explanation of the mechanism!