What Is The Major Product Of The Following Reaction: A Complete Guide

In organic chemistry, one of the most common questions students and researchers encounter is what is the major product of the following reaction. Reactions often yield multiple possible products, but not all are formed in equal amounts. The concept of a major product refers to the most stable or favored compound produced under given reaction conditions. Understanding how to determine this requires knowledge of reaction mechanisms, stability trends, and the rules of chemical reactivity.

Defining the Major Product

When asked, what is the major product of the following reaction, the focus is on predicting the compound that dominates in yield. While side products may form, the major product is the one most consistent with chemical principles such as:

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• Stability of carbocations or intermediates 
• Regioselectivity (where a substituent attaches in asymmetric molecules) 
• Stereoselectivity (favoring certain spatial arrangements) 
• Reaction conditions like temperature, solvent, and catalysts 

This ensures that chemists can predict outcomes before running experiments.

Factors Affecting the Major Product

To answer what is the major product of the following reaction, several key factors must be analyzed:

1. Carbocation Stability

In reactions like electrophilic addition, carbocation intermediates form. The most stable carbocation—tertiary more stable than secondary, and secondary more stable than primary—leads to the major product.

2. Markovnikov’s Rule

In addition reactions involving unsymmetrical alkenes, the Markovnikov product is often the major product. According to this rule, the hydrogen atom bonds to the carbon with more hydrogens already attached, while the substituent bonds to the carbon with fewer hydrogens.

3. Anti-Markovnikov Rule

Under the influence of peroxides or specific conditions, the opposite of Markovnikov’s rule can occur. This creates different product distributions and must be considered when predicting what is the major product of the following reaction.

4. Stereoselectivity

Reactions like hydrogenation or halogen addition can produce stereoisomers. The geometry of the major product depends on reaction mechanisms (syn vs. anti addition).

5. Reaction Environment

Solvent polarity, temperature, catalysts, and light exposure all affect which product is favored. For instance, E1 and E2 elimination reactions can produce different outcomes based on these conditions.

Common Examples of Major Product Predictions

When chemists ask, what is the major product of the following reaction, these classic examples help clarify:

• Alkene hydration: CH₃–CH=CH₂ + H₂O → propan-2-ol (Markovnikov product) 
• Hydrohalogenation: CH₂=CH₂ + HBr → bromoethane 
• Free radical halogenation: CH₄ + Cl₂ (UV light) → chloromethane as the primary product 
• E2 elimination: 2-bromo-2-methylpropane → 2-methylpropene as the favored alkene 

Each example illustrates how applying the rules allows accurate prediction of the dominant compound.

Challenges in Predicting Major Products

The question what is the major product of the following reaction can be tricky due to:

• Multiple possible intermediates forming simultaneously 
• Competing mechanisms (addition vs. elimination) 
• Influence of steric hindrance in bulky molecules 
• Unfamiliarity with exceptions like rearrangements and resonance effects 

This is why practicing with diverse reaction examples is crucial for mastery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “major product” mean in chemistry?
   It refers to the compound formed in the greatest yield during a chemical reaction, determined by stability and reaction rules.
2. How do I know what is the major product of the following reaction in alkenes?
   Apply Markovnikov’s rule unless special conditions like peroxides dictate an Anti-Markovnikov outcome.
3. Can there be more than one major product?
   Yes, in some cases reactions produce stereoisomers or regioisomers in nearly equal amounts, resulting in two or more major products.
4. Why is carbocation stability important?
   Because the more stable the carbocation intermediate, the more likely it is to form, leading to the favored product.
5. How can I get better at predicting major products?
   Study reaction mechanisms, practice with examples, and learn the common exceptions to general rules.

Conclusion

When facing the question, what is the major product of the following reaction, the key is to analyze stability, regioselectivity, stereoselectivity, and conditions influencing the outcome. The major product is not random; it follows predictable rules rooted in organic chemistry principles. By mastering these guidelines, students and professionals can accurately determine reaction outcomes, making this knowledge invaluable for exams, research, and practical laboratory work.