Write the mechanism of addition of HX to Propene in accordance with Markonikov's rule
Answers
Answer:
When a protic acid (HX) is added to an asymmetric alkene, the acidic hydrogen attaches itself to the carbon having a greater number of hydrogen substituents whereas the halide group attaches itself to the carbon atom which has a greater number of alkyl substituents.
Explanation:
there are two types of carbocations that can be formed from the protonation of the alkene, one is a primary carbocation and the other is a secondary carbocation. However, the secondary carbocation is far more stable and therefore, its formation is preferred over the formation of a primary carbocation.
The halide ion nucleophile now attacks the carbocation. This reaction yields the alkyl halide. Since the formation of the secondary carbocation is preferred, the major product of this reaction would be 2-bromopropane as illustrated below.
It is important to note that the Markovnikov’s rule was developed specifically for its application in the addition reaction of hydrogen halides to alkenes. The opposite of ‘Markovnikov’ addition reactions can be described as Anti-Markovnikov based on the regioselectivity of the reaction.