Dear Student,

Markovnikov’s rule is an empirical rule which is used to predict regioselectivity of electrophilic addition reaction of alkenes and alkynes. The Markovnikov’s rule states that with the addition of a protic acid HX to an asymmetric alkene, the acid hydrogen (H) gets attached to the carbon with more hydrogen substituents, and the halide (X) group gets attached to the carbon with more alkyl substituents.

Various practical applications of Markovnikov’s rule include Halohydrin formation (in alcohol and water), Oxymercurationand Demercuration and Acid catalysed hydration. These reactions are the laboratory usages of Markovnikov’s rule and are used in a variety of chemical processes.

In short,  Markovnikov rule indicates that hydrogen atoms in an addition reaction are attached to the carbon atom with more hydrogen substitutes

Happy Learning!