How does HBr add across a double bond? Predict the regiochemistry when HBr is reacted with 2-methylpropene

When HBr is dissolved in solution it dissociates in its two major components: H+ and Br-. The acidic environment promotes nucleophilic of the alkenes to the electrophilic protons to form an intermediate carbocation. The carbocation is the subsequently quenched by nucleophilic attack of the bormide ion to give the desired product. When predicating the regiochemistry for the addition of HBr into alkenes, the H+ will added to the carbon atom that generates the most sable carbocation – Markovnikov’s rule. Therefore the addition of HBr to 2-methylpropene would give 2-bromo-2-methylpropane.

RM
Answered by Ryan M. Chemistry tutor

3469 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between covalent and dative covalent bonds?


An acid can be either strong or weak, explain the difference between strong and weak acids.


Explain the trend in first ionisation energy along period 3


What are Van der Waal forces ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning