Hydrohalogenation of Alkenes: Markovnikov Addition of HX (Mechanism + Traps)

Step-by-step hydrohalogenation mechanism (HCl/HBr/HI addition). Markovnikov regiochemistry, carbocation rearrangements, and practice problems.

• Reaction: Alkene + HX → Alkyl halide
• What it does: Adds H and X across a double bond
• Typical reagents: HCl, HBr, HI (no peroxides)
• Key intermediate: Carbocation (or bridged in special cases)
• Driving force: Formation of strong C–H and C–X bonds
• Exam type: Regiochemistry
• Exam type: Rearrangements
• Exam type: Predict product