Reaction MechanismhardNUMERICAL

Consider the free radical chain mechanism for the addition of to an alkene in the presence of peroxiReaction Mechanism Chemistry Question

Question

Consider the free radical chain mechanism for the addition of $HBr$ to an alkene in the presence of peroxides. How many distinct chemical steps are involved strictly in the "Chain Propagation" phase?

Answer: 2

💡 Solution & Explanation

The chain propagation phase consists of exactly two repeating steps: Step 1 involves the attack of the bromine free radical ($Br^\cdot$) on the alkene $\pi$ -bond to form a carbon-centered free radical. Step 2 involves this new carbon free radical abstracting a hydrogen atom from a fresh molecule of $HBr$, generating the alkyl bromide product and regenerating a $Br^\cdot$ radical to continue the chain.

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