Why does addition of hydrogen bromide to propene in the presence of benzoyl peroxide yield 1-bromopropane as the major product?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Free-radical mechanism generates a more stable secondary carbon radical intermediate
Under peroxide conditions (Kharasch effect), bromine radical (Br) attacks first, adding to the terminal carbon to form the more stable secondary carbon radical (CH3-CH()-CH2Br), which abstracts H* from HBr to give 1-bromopropane.
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