Identify the major product obtained in the reaction and explain its formation.
`C_6H_5CH=CHCH_3overset(HBr)to`

Explanation

`C_6H_5CH=CHCH_3overset(HBr)tounderset("1-bromo-1-phenylpropane")(C_6H_5CHBrCH_2CH_3)`
Although the alkene is an unsymmetrical one, Markownkoff's rule is not directly applicable here, because there are same number of H-atoms attached to the double bonded carbons. out of the two carbocations `(C_6H_5overset(oplus)CHCH_2CH_3)` and
`(C_6H_5CH_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 formed is easily and readily combines with `Br^-` ion to give 1-bromo -1-phenylpropane as the major product .