Which of the following statements about the stereochemistry of electrophilic addition of HX to alkenes is true?
A)Achiral starting materials yield an unequal mixture of two enantiomers.
B)Hydrohalogenation occurs with syn stereochemistry only.
C)Hydrohalogenation occurs with anti stereochemistry only.
D)Hydrohalogenation occurs with syn and anti addition of HX.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydrohalogenation can occur with both syn and anti addition of HX, depending on the orientation of the double bond and the position of the hydrogen and halogen atoms. The mechanism for both syn and anti addition involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate, with the halogen atom attacking either from the same side of the double bond (syn) or the opposite side (anti). The stereochemistry of the product depends on the orientation of the intermediate and the direction of attack by the halogen. Therefore, both syn and anti products can be formed, leading to a racemic mixture of enantiomers for achiral starting materials.

Which of the Following Statements About the Stereochemistry of Electrophilic