222k views
2 votes
HBr can be added to an alkene in the presence of peroxides, R-O-O-R. What role do peroxides play in this reaction

User Lichengwu
by
4.5k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

The peroxide initiates the free radical reaction

Step-by-step explanation:

The addition of HBr to alkene in the presence of peroxides occurs via a free radical mechanism.

The organic peroxide acts as the initiator of the free radical reaction. The organic free radical interacts with HBr to produce a bromine free radical which now interacts with the alkene and the propagation steps continue until it is terminated by the coupling of two free radicals.

The peroxide effect leads to anti-Markovnikov addition.

User MHC
by
3.7k points