How Does a Catalyst Influence Markovnikov Addition?
Catalysts often provide an alternative pathway for the reaction that lowers the activation energy, thereby increasing the reaction rate. In the context of Markovnikov's rule, a catalyst can stabilize the formation of the more stable carbocation intermediate, ensuring the regioselective addition follows the rule. For example, using a catalyst like a Lewis acid can enhance the electrophilicity of the proton in a protic acid, leading to a more efficient and selective Markovnikov addition.
