Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Radical Addition Mechanism
Radical addition to alkenes involves the formation of radicals that initiate a chain reaction, adding across the double bond. The process typically requires a radical initiator, such as peroxides, to generate radicals from hydrogen halides. The stability of the radical intermediates and the energy required for bond formation are crucial factors in determining the feasibility of the reaction.
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Bond Dissociation Energy
Bond dissociation energy (BDE) is the energy required to break a bond homolytically, forming two radicals. In radical reactions, the BDE of the hydrogen-halide bond influences the reaction's progress. For HI and HCl, the BDEs are relatively low, making the formation of radicals less favorable compared to other halides like HBr, which has a more suitable BDE for radical formation.
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Thermodynamic Considerations
Thermodynamics play a critical role in radical reactions, where the overall enthalpy change (∆H) determines the reaction's favorability. The given ∆H for the C–C π bond is 65 kcal/mol, indicating the energy required to break the double bond. For HI and HCl, the radical addition is not thermodynamically favorable due to insufficient energy release from the formation of C–I and C–Cl bonds, making the reaction non-spontaneous.
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