Styrene:
Ph–CH=CH2
reacts with HBr in the presence of peroxide ((PhCOO)2).
Identify the correct statements:
(a) The shown bromo compound is the minor product.
(b) Benzene also forms a by-product.
(c) The reaction follows a free radical mechanism.
(d) In absence of peroxide, carbocation mechanism is followed.
HBr in the presence of peroxide follows the peroxide effect (Kharasch effect).
The reaction proceeds through a free radical mechanism.
Therefore:
Statement (c) is correct.
Without peroxide:
The reaction follows the normal electrophilic addition mechanism involving a carbocation intermediate.
Hence statement (d) is correct.
The structure shown in the figure corresponds to the anti-Markovnikov product and is not the minor product.
Therefore statement (a) is incorrect.
Benzene is not produced as a by-product under normal reaction conditions.
Therefore statement (b) is incorrect.
Correct statements:
(c) and (d)
Answer:
Option (3) → (c, d)