[jasongnome]

You are correct, and the sarcastic linking to "let me google that for you" really wasn't appropriate in this thread IMO. You'd already pointed out why Markovnikov's rule doesn't apply.

I haven't seen one with an asymmetrical alkane like this either, normally they ensure that one of the carbon atoms does have more hydrogens. You don't give the full question, I assume this IS a question where the alkene is reacting with an acid or water, because if it isn't then Markovnikov's rule doesn't apply anyway.

Assuming that you are reacting that alkene with HX, I would assume you'd get an equal mixture as I can see no reason in the mechanism why either intermediate would be favoured.

Let me apologize for that. I simply misread it. I thought the reaction showed 2,2-dimethyl-1-butene, hence my sarcasm. I had simply looked at the example and anticipated the next reaction that was to occur and did not examine the post properly. Again, my error and my apology.

Fair enough.