Oxymercuration demercuration reaction help.

[vkash]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

See attachment there is reaction.why --OH attach to 2nd carbon. why not it attach first carbon(from left).

2. Relevant equations

steric hindrance

3. The attempt at a solution

there seems greater steric hindrance in right carbon(2nd from left) than left one.

[gabriels-horn]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

See attachment there is reaction.why --OH attach to 2nd carbon. why not it attach first carbon(from left).

2. Relevant equations

steric hindrance

3. The attempt at a solution

there seems greater steric hindrance in right carbon(2nd from left) than left one.

Sterics is not really a factor with this type of a reaction, it is electrophillic addtion, which takes place around the planar sp2 alkene. If a carbocation were formed, a methyl shift would most likely result in the OH moving to the 3 degree carbon, however, the mercuration reaction proceeds via a ring transition state, no carbocation is formed.