What is Markovnikov's rule?

Short Answer

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Markovnikov's rule is a principle in Organic Chemistry that states that in an addition of HX to an unsymmetrical alkene, the hydrogen (H) adds to the carbon with the most hydrogen substituents, while the halide (X) adds to the carbon with the fewest hydrogen substituents.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to Markovnikov's Rule

Markovnikov's Rule, a principle in organic chemistry, was formulated by Russian chemist Vladimir Markovnikov in 1865. It is an essential guide in understanding the products of the addition of hydrogen halides to alkenes.
02

Understanding the Rule

Markovnikov's rule states that in the addition of a protic acid HX to an unsymmetrical alkene, the acid hydrogen (H) gets attached to the carbon with more hydrogen substituents, and the halide (X) group gets attached to the carbon with fewer hydrogen substituents. In simpler words, in the addition reaction to an unsymmetrical alkene, the 'rich' (carbon atom holding more hydrogen) gets 'richer' (receives more hydrogen).
03

Significance of Markovnikov's Rule

This rule helps predict the molecular structures of certain organic compounds during synthesis. It governs the regioselectivity of electrophilic addition to an alkene. Understanding Markovnikov's rule is critical to the study of organic reactions and mechanisms.

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