In the reaction of 2-pentene HI,the two isomeric iodopentanes are produced in almost equal amounts- Why ?

Explanation

The two doubly bonded carbon atoms in 2-pentene are bonded to the same number (one) of H-atoms. So, the two isomeric iodopentanes are produced in nearly equal amounts.

In fact, the two `2^(@)` carbocation `(CH_(3)CH_(2)CH_(2)overset(oplus)(C)HCH_(3) and CH_(3)CH_(2) overset(oplus)(C)HCH_(2)CH_(3))` obtained on addition of proton at `C-2 or C-3` are almost equally stable. So, teh reaction proceeds through the two routes nearly at the same rate adn consequently, the two isomeric iodopentanes are formed in nearly equal amounts.