Markovnikov vs anti-Markovnikov
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Definition
Markovnikov: H adds to less-substituted C in HX additions (stable carbocation); anti-Markovnikov: HBr with peroxides (radical) or hydroboration-oxidation.
Markovnikov vs anti-Markovnikov in plain English
When you add something like H-Br across a carbon-carbon double bond, the two pieces (H and Br) have to pick which carbon to land on — and Markovnikov's rule predicts the usual choice. Normally the H goes to the carbon that already has MORE hydrogens, because that path creates the most stable middle-step (a carbocation, a temporarily positive carbon that 'prefers' to sit on a more crowded carbon). 'Anti-Markovnikov' just means the opposite placement happens, and it shows up in two special setups: HBr with peroxides (which runs through radicals instead) or hydroboration-oxidation. Think of it as a coat-check rule for where each piece hangs its jacket — the default rule, plus two known exceptions that flip it.
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