In a Markovnikov addition of HBr (Hydrogen Bromide) to propene, the H (Hydrogen) adds to the C atom with more H atoms. 8.3: Halogenation of Alkenes - Addition of X₂ Last updated; Save as PDF Page ID 31466; Introduction; Electrophilic addition mechanism consists of two steps. The halogenation of alkenes is carried out in a neutral organic solvent such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 or dichloromethane, DCM (CH 2 Cl 2) that cannot act as a nucleophile when the halonium ion is formed. Although Markovnikov’s rule was initially described by observations from the addition of hydrogen halides to alkenes, it is also used to explain the regioselectivity of other reactions such as the acid-catalyzed hydration of alkenes. Halogenation of alkenes is an example of an anti-addition (stereospecific). UV Light energy is used to excite and ultimately break the O-O bond in the peroxide initiator, in order to produce the alkyloxy free radical(s). This means that both halogen atoms will be adding to the carbons of the double bond in a trans fashion. If the two carbon atoms at the double bond are linked to a different number of hydrogen atoms, the halogen is found preferentially at the carbon with fewer hydrogen substituents, an observation known as Markovnikov's rule. The product is a haloalkane also called an alkyl halide. Reaction Overview: The hydrohalogenation of alkenes involves breaking a carbon to carbon double bond, followed by the electrophilic addition of a hydrogen atom and halogen. Summary; References; Problems ; Exercises. The halide will add to the more substituted carbon following Markovnikov’s rule. Interestingly, it was observed over time that this selectivity only works when pure reagents are used. Halogenation of an alkane requires the presence of heat or light. Questions; Solutions; Contributors and Attributions; Objectives. hv (electromagnetic energy; UV light) is not essential, but it is preferred. After completing this section, you should be able to. Generally, you’re not going to have much stereoselectivity in this reaction, you’ll form a 50/50 mixture of two enantiomers. Chlorination of Methane by Substitution. In the presence of peroxides, H adds to the C atom with a less count of H atoms. Image will be uploaded soon. In halogenation of an alkane, the alkane is said to undergo fluorination, chlorination, bromination or iodination depending on the identity of the halogen reactant. A hydrohalogenation reaction is the electrophilic addition of hydrohalic acids like hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide to alkenes to yield the corresponding haloalkanes.. The resultant product is 2-bromopropane pictured below. An Anti-Markovnikov halogenation is a free radical reaction of the hydrogen bromide to an alkene.