Question

Does symmetrical alkene show anti-Markovnikov, for example ethene?

Answer 1

Dear student,
As anti-markokvnikov rule, also called peroxide effect, is used only when we want to get a more stable product, out of possible products formed. It follows free radical mechanism. So basically, when this rule is applied to an unsymmetrical alkene, then out of the possible products formed, we obtain the most stable product, by going through the details of the stability of free radicals formed in the reaction. But in case of symmetrical alkenes, only one product will be formed, which will be the major one. So thats why we do not use anti-markovnikov rule for symmetrical alkenes.
Regards