Isobutylene (2-methylpropene) can be polymerized by treating it with liquid HF as shown in Fig. P5.53. A small amount of tert-butyl fluoride is formed in the reaction. Suggest a curved-arrow mechanism for this process, which is an example of cationic polymerization. (Hint: Carbocations are electrophiles that can react with alkene double bonds.)

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H3C-C=CH₂ T CH3 2-methylpropene Figure P5.53 HF CH3 CH3 thout - me for -CH₂- + H₂C-C-F CH3 CH3 11 tert-butyl fluoride (small amount formed)