Question

provide the major product for each reaction.
rxn i

1. hg(oac)₂, h₂o
2. nabh₄

rxn ii
hbr
rxn i rxn ii
a.
oh
br
b.
oh
br
c.
ho
br
d.
ho
br

Explanation:

rxn I

Step1: Oxymercuration - demercuration mechanism

Oxymercuration - demercuration of an alkene results in the formation of an alcohol. The reaction follows Markovnikov’s rule (the hydroxyl group adds to the more substituted carbon of the double bond). For the given alkene, the more substituted carbon of the double bond is the one attached to two other carbon atoms. So, the hydroxyl group will add to that carbon.

rxn II

Step1: Electrophilic addition of HBr

When HBr adds to an alkene, it follows Markovnikov’s rule (the bromine atom adds to the more substituted carbon of the double bond). The more substituted carbon of the given alkene's double bond is the one attached to two other carbon atoms. So, the bromine atom will add to that carbon.

Answer:

A.