Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electrophilic Addition Reactions
Electrophilic addition reactions involve the addition of an electrophile to a nucleophile, typically across a double bond. In the case of alkenes, the π bond is broken, allowing for the formation of new σ bonds. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for predicting the products of reactions involving alkenes, such as the addition of Cl2 and H2O to but-2-ene.
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Stereochemistry
Stereochemistry refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and how this affects their chemical behavior. In reactions involving alkenes, the formation of chiral centers can lead to different stereoisomers. Recognizing the stereochemical outcomes, especially in reactions with reagents like Cl2 and H2O, is essential for accurately predicting the major products.
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Markovnikov's Rule
Markovnikov's Rule states that in the addition of HX to an alkene, the hydrogen atom will attach to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms already attached. This principle helps predict the regioselectivity of electrophilic addition reactions, such as the addition of Cl2 and H2O to but-2-ene, guiding the formation of the major product based on the stability of the resulting carbocation.
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