When isobutene (2-methylpropene) reacts with in the presence of organic peroxides, what is the princ — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the presence of peroxides, $HBr$ undergoes a free radical addition mechanism (peroxide effect or Kharasch effect). The bromine free radical ($Br^\cdot$) attacks the terminal carbon of the double bond to generate the more stable tertiary carbon radical intermediate. Subsequent abstraction of a hydrogen atom from $HBr$ yields the anti-Markovnikov product, isobutyl bromide (1-bromo-2-methylpropane).