Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electrophilic Addition Reactions
Electrophilic addition reactions are a fundamental type of reaction in organic chemistry where an electrophile reacts with a nucleophile, typically involving alkenes or alkynes. In the presence of HBr, the double or triple bond of the hydrocarbon acts as a nucleophile, attacking the electrophilic hydrogen atom, leading to the formation of a more stable product. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for predicting the major product formed in such reactions.
Recommended video:
Features of Addition Mechanisms.
Markovnikov's Rule
Markovnikov's Rule states that in the addition of HX (where X is a halogen) to an alkene, the hydrogen atom will attach to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms already attached. This rule helps predict the regioselectivity of the reaction, guiding chemists in determining which product will be the major one when HBr reacts with unsymmetrical alkenes.
Recommended video:
The 18 and 16 Electron Rule
Carbocation Stability
Carbocation stability is a key concept in organic chemistry that refers to the relative stability of positively charged carbon species. The stability of a carbocation increases with the number of alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon, as these groups can donate electron density through inductive effects and hyperconjugation. This concept is essential for predicting the pathway and major product of reactions involving HBr, as the formation of more stable carbocations often leads to the favored product.
Recommended video:
Determining Carbocation Stability