Predict the product(s) that would result when the alkenes shown here are allowed to react under the following conditions: (i) HBr
(k)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the structure of the alkene provided in the problem. Alkenes are hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). The reactivity of the alkene depends on the substituents attached to the double bond.
2. Step 2: Recall the mechanism of the reaction between an alkene and HBr. This reaction follows the electrophilic addition mechanism, where the π-electrons of the double bond attack the proton (H⁺) from HBr, forming a carbocation intermediate.
3. Step 3: Apply Markovnikov's rule to predict the regioselectivity of the reaction. According to Markovnikov's rule, the hydrogen atom (H⁺) from HBr will add to the carbon of the double bond that has more hydrogen atoms, while the bromine atom (Br⁻) will add to the carbon with fewer hydrogen atoms.
4. Step 4: Consider the possibility of carbocation rearrangements. If the initial carbocation formed is not the most stable (e.g., primary or secondary), it may rearrange to form a more stable carbocation (e.g., tertiary). This can affect the final product.
5. Step 5: Write the structure of the predicted product(s) based on the addition of HBr to the alkene, taking into account Markovnikov's rule and any potential carbocation rearrangements. If the alkene is symmetrical, only one product will form; if asymmetrical, multiple products may form.

Key Concepts

Electrophilic Addition

Electrophilic addition is a fundamental reaction mechanism in organic chemistry where an electrophile reacts with a nucleophile, typically involving alkenes. In the case of alkenes reacting with HBr, the double bond acts as a nucleophile, attacking the electrophilic hydrogen atom, leading to the formation of a carbocation intermediate. This process is crucial for predicting the products of reactions involving alkenes.

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 the formation of the more stable carbocation and ultimately influencing the major product formed during the reaction with HBr.

Carbocation Stability

Carbocation stability is a key concept in organic chemistry that refers to the relative stability of positively charged carbon species. Carbocations can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the number of alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon. Tertiary carbocations are the most stable due to hyperconjugation and inductive effects, which play a significant role in determining the product distribution in reactions involving alkenes and electrophiles like HBr.