Identifty the major product obtained in each of the following reactions and explain its formation.
`C_6H_5CH=CHCH_3overset(HBr)to`

Explanation

`C_6H_5CH=CHCH_3overset(HBr)tounderset(1-"bromo-1-phenylpropane"("major"))(C_6H_5CHBrCH_2CH_3)`
Although the alkene is an unsymmetrical one, Markownikoff's rule is not directly applicable here bucause there are same number of H-atoms attached to double bonded carbons. Out of the 2 carbocations `(C_6H_5overset(oplus)CHCH_2CH_3& C_6H_5CH_2CH_2overset(oplus)CHCH_3)` obtained in the first step of the reaction, the first one (a benzylic carbocation ) is more stable because it is stabilised by resonance involving the benzene ring. so, this carbocation is formed more easily and readily and in the second step it combines with `Br^-` ion to give 1-bromo-1-phenylpropane as the major product.