What defines a major product in the context of alkene addition reactions?

In the context of alkene addition reactions, a major product is defined as the product that is formed in larger amounts compared to other possible products. This often occurs because the pathway to forming that product is more favorable, typically due to considerations like carbocation stability or the number of hydrogen atoms that can be added.

In many cases, the major product will be the one formed through the most stable intermediate, such as a more substituted carbocation, which can hold more hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the major product tends to be the one that maximizes the number of hydrogens bonded to the carbon atoms involved in the reaction. This leads to the formation of a more stable alkane structure, contributing to the higher yield of the major product.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of a major product in this context. A product formed exclusively from tertiary carbocations does not account for other potential pathways leading to major products. Products with the least hydrogen atoms or those that form faster than minor products do not necessarily correlate with being classified as a major product. Thus, the most definitive argument for identifying a major product is the observation that it forms in larger quantities, typically associated with having more hydrogens in the structure.