Why can there be one major product and one minor product after electrophilic addition takes place across a double bond?

This formation of a major product and minor product only occurs if the double bond is unsymmetrical (when the carbon atoms involved in the double bond are bonded to different groups), for example in butene. When electrophilic addition takes place with a hydrogen halide (HBr) we will form these two different products. We can see that the hydrogen atom and bromine atom have been added to different sides. If we look at the mechanism we can see which one is going to be the major product by looking at which intermediate has the most stabilised carbocation. Remember that a tertiary carbocation is more stabilised than a secondary carbocation and a secondary carbocation is more stabilised than a primary carbocation. I would then ask the student an exam type question, in order for them to apply this.

Answered by Craig F. Chemistry tutor

19574 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the PH of 32 mmol of HCl in 75cm^3 solution. Assume HCl fully dissociates.


Calculate the amount (in moles) of iron 3 nitrate in a 2.16g sample.


Explain and draw the mechanism of the nucleophillic substitution reaction between bromoethane and aqueous sodium hydroxide. How is this reaction different to the elimination reaction which may occur?


A sample of strontium has a relative atomic mass of 87.7 and consists of three isotopes, 86Sr, 87Sr and 88Sr. In this sample, the ratio of abundances of the isotopes 86Sr: 87Sr is 1:1. Calculate the percentage abundance of the 88Sr isotope in this sample


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences