Lesson 8 Addition via Carbocation

8.1 Alkyl groups are more electron-donating than H

Explains why we assume methyl groups/primary carbocations do not form, too much Pe, too unstable

Markovnikov’s rule

In Addition of H-X to a pi bond, X bonds on the C with more R groups, less H

REVISED: the X bonds to the C that forms the lower PE carbocation/the more stable carbocation

8.4 Pi bonds on a benzene ring do not undergo addition/do not react

The double bonds in the benzene ring do not react

8.5 You cant generate a strong base from a weak base

Explains why a WB (alkene) can’t undergo hydration without a strong acid catalyst. This is because H2O is a WA and a WB and WA can’t undergo a reaction. the WB is so weak it can only react with SA

8.6 Where is H3O+’s charge?

The formal + charge is spread onto each H

8.7 Mechanistic Step vs. Synthetic Step

Mechanistic = one step in a mechanism shown using curved arrows
Synthetic = one step in a recipe that a lab chemist would follow, includes mechanistic steps

8.8 Markovnikov and Anti-Markovnikov addition HBr and H2O

Anti-Markovnikov addition allows Br and OH to bond to the less substitued (R) C of an alkene