In anti-markovnikov's adition;
the per-oxide (HO-OH) split and give rise to HO* free radicals.
HO-OH-------> 2HO* ( " * " denotes unpaired electron)
These HO* radicals attack HX ;
HO* + HX-----> H-OH + X*
Now this X* free radical react with alkene;
CH3-CH=CH2 + X* ------> CH3-C*H-CH2X - - - - - - - (1)
CH3-C*H-CH2X + HX -----> CH3-CH2-CH2X + X* - - - - - - - -(2)
Ultimately CH3-CH2-CH2X is the dominant product. But there are other possibilities, like CH3-CHX-CH3, CH3CHX-CH2X , CH3CH(OH)CH2(OH), CH3CH2-CH2(OH) etc.
But it is predictable that some of these products should be minor.
Like, a least stable carbon free radical is involved in CH3-CHX-CH3 formation. Obviously CH3-CHX-CH3 is not favoured and produced in minute amount.
CH3CHX-CH2X can form if the following reaction occur;
CH3-C*H-CH2X + X* -----> CH3-CHX-CH2X ; But HX is more abundant and more available than X* free radical, so this product cannot be major.
In the system there are X*, and HO* free radicals. First step involves the formation of HO* , this free radical can attack either the alkene or the HX.
1.CH3-CH=CH2 + HO* ------> CH3-C*H-CH2(OH)
2. HX + HO* -----> H-OH + X*
After the formation of CH3-C*H-CH2(OH), it is attacked by other reagent. The most potential attacker is the HX since it is in larger proportion in the system.
So following thing happens;
CH3-C*H-CH2(OH) + HX -----> CH3-CH2-CH2(OH) + X*
CH3-CH2-CH2(OH) forms long before the formation of CH3-C*H-CH2X free radical, which means that CH3-CH2-CH2(OH) is the dominant product. This argument implies that CH3-CH2-CH2(OH) formation is favoured over CH3-CH2-CH2X.
Any input should be highly appreciated. Thx