Identify the expected first intermediate formed during a halohydrin reaction.
A) a halonium ion.
B) the most stable carbocation with OH on the adjacent carbon.
C) the most stable carbocation with X on the adjacent carbon.
D) a cyclic oxonium ion.
E) the most stable carbanion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The halohydrin reaction involves the addition of a halogen and a hydroxyl group to an alkene. The first intermediate formed is a halonium ion, which is a three-membered ring containing the halogen and two carbons of the alkene. The halonium ion is highly reactive and, in the presence of a nucleophile, can undergo ring opening to form the halohydrin product.

Identify the Expected First Intermediate Formed During a Halohydrin Reaction