[BabeToluene]

How would you use isotopes to distinguish between between these two mechanisms?



My thought is that you could replace the hydrogen on the beginning alkene with deuterium. After letting the reaction run through, you can see if the Deuterium ends up as a byproduct (mechanism 1) or as part of the product (mechanism 2).

Please post your thoughts and reasoning.

[nj_bartel]

Sounds perfect, except I don't know which mechanism is 1 and which is 2.  I think you have it though