Electrophilic Addition - Markovnikov's rule

The video below shows the description of the electrophilic addition reaction using propene and HBr. In this description, it applies Markovnikov's rule, and in addition explains why Markovnikov came up with his rule: The electrophile is added to the alkene in a manner to produce the more stable carbocation which will subsequently form the product.

Note: You may wish to read more about the stability of carbocation. Please click here to access that article.

Since, H is often the electrophile (since HX is a common addition reagent), hence by observing the products formed we notice that the H is added to the alkene carbon with more H attached to it. Hence, it popularises the phrase "the rich getting richer".



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Article written by Kwok YL 2010.}

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