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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o2079

In the radical addition of HBr to propene, attacks the terminal carbon because

  1. A is attracted to the more substituted carbon by its higher electron density
  2. Bthe intermediate formed is a carbocation stabilised by hyperconjugation
  3. Cthe resulting primary radical is more stable than the secondary radical
  4. Dthe resulting secondary radical is more stable than the primary radical formed by attack at the middle carbon

Answer: D

The regiochemistry is set by the stability of the carbon radical formed in the first propagation step. Attack at the terminal carbon gives (secondary), whereas attack at the middle carbon would give a primary radical. No carbocation is involved.
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