Types of Organic Reactions

1. Organic compounds undergo four main types of reaction, namely addition, substitution, elimination and rearrangement.

    (a) Addition reaction

• Occurs when two reactants react to form one product.
• Involves compounds with multiple bonds (unsaturated). The reaction results in breaking of one pi (π) bond to form two sigma (σ) bonds. 

       

    (b) Substitution reaction

• Involves replacing one atom or group with another. 

       

    (c) Elimination reaction

• Involves the elimination of two neighbouring atoms from saturated molecules, with the formation of multiple bonds.
• The reverse of addition reaction.

       

    (d) Rearrangement

• Occurs at the transition stage of a reaction involving carbocation.
• Occurs when a single reactant reorganises the bonds or atoms.