Oxymercuration-Demercuration, also referred to as oxymercuration-reduction is slightly more confusing than that average alkene reaction. I think it's a combination of the extra steps, involvement of mercury, and the mysterious reduction by sodium borohydride. But don't let this confuse you.
The video below takes you through the entire reaction mechanism with step by step explanations of every moving arrow, regioselectivity, and reason for lack of carbocation rearrangement.
Watch this video on YouTube or read the transcript (coming soon)
Watch the previous Video: Ring Expansion via Methyl and Hydride Shift
Watch Next video: Alkoxymercuration-demercuration
Return to: Alkene Reaction Mechanism home page;
