What is the result of the reaction between an alkene and a hydrogen halide?

The reaction between an alkene and a hydrogen halide typically results in the formation of an alkyl halide. This process is known as hydrohalogenation and involves the addition of the hydrogen halide (HX, where X is a halogen such as Cl, Br, or I) across the double bond of the alkene.

When the hydrogen halide adds to the alkene, the π bond of the alkene is broken, allowing for the formation of a carbocation intermediate. The halide ion then attacks the carbocation, resulting in the formation of a new bond between the carbon atom and the halogen, leading to an alkyl halide product. The specific type of alkyl halide formed can depend on the structure of the alkene and the stability of the carbocation intermediate, with more stable carbocations being favored.

In contrast, other options such as alcohols, alkanes, or ethers do not typically result from this particular reaction with hydrogen halides. Alcohols are generally formed from the hydration of alkenes under acidic conditions, alkanes would require a reduction process or hydrogenation, and ethers typically form through the reaction of an alcohol or an alkyl halide with another alcohol under acidic conditions.