When propene reacts with hypochlorous acid (HOCl or ), the reaction involves an electrophilic additi — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In HOCl, the chlorine acts as the electrophile ($Cl^+$) because oxygen is more electronegative. According to Markovnikov's addition, the electrophile ($Cl^+$) attacks the terminal carbon with more hydrogens, generating the more stable secondary carbocation intermediate on the central carbon: $CH_3-CH^+-CH_2Cl$. (Though this often forms a cyclic chloronium ion, A represents the most stable classical carbocation intermediate standard in JEE exams).