Considering the addition of carbenes to alkenes, which of the following statements correctly disting — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

A singlet carbene has paired electrons in a single orbital, allowing for a concerted, stereospecific addition across the $\pi$ -bond of an alkene, preserving the original stereochemistry (cis/trans). A triplet carbene behaves as a diradical, adding in two distinct steps. The intermediate diradical can undergo bond rotation before ring closure, leading to a loss of original stereochemistry (non-stereospecific).