Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hydrohalogenation
Hydrohalogenation is a chemical reaction where an alkene reacts with a hydrogen halide (like HBr) to form an alkyl halide. The reaction typically follows Markovnikov's rule, where the hydrogen atom from the hydrogen halide adds to the carbon with the most hydrogen substituents, leading to the formation of a more stable carbocation intermediate.
Recommended video:
General properties of hydrohalogenation.
Kinetic vs. Thermodynamic Products
In organic reactions, kinetic products are formed faster and are typically less stable, while thermodynamic products are more stable and form more slowly. Kinetic control occurs at lower temperatures or shorter reaction times, favoring the product that forms more quickly. In contrast, thermodynamic control occurs at higher temperatures, allowing the system to reach a more stable state.
Recommended video:
Kinetic vs. Thermodynamic Control
Carbocation Stability
Carbocation stability is a key factor in determining the outcome of reactions involving alkenes. Carbocations are positively charged carbon species, and their stability increases with the degree of substitution: tertiary carbocations are more stable than secondary, which are more stable than primary. The stability influences which product is formed during hydrohalogenation, affecting both kinetic and thermodynamic outcomes.
Recommended video:
Determining Carbocation Stability