Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electrophilic Addition
Electrophilic addition is a fundamental reaction mechanism in organic chemistry where an electrophile reacts with a nucleophile, typically involving alkenes or alkynes. In this context, HBr acts as the electrophile, adding across the double bond of an alkene. This process results in the formation of a more stable product, often a bromoalkane, depending on the structure of the starting material.
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Markovnikov's Rule
Markovnikov's Rule states that when HX (where X is a halogen) adds to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen atom will attach to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms already attached. This rule helps predict the major product of the reaction when HBr is used, leading to the formation of the more stable carbocation intermediate and ultimately the more substituted alkyl halide.
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Carbocation Stability
Carbocation stability is a key concept in organic chemistry that refers to the relative stability of positively charged carbon species. Carbocations are stabilized by alkyl groups through hyperconjugation and inductive effects. In the context of the reaction with HBr, the formation of a more stable carbocation intermediate influences the final product, as the reaction pathway will favor the formation of the more substituted and stable carbocation.
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