Question

Draw the complete mechanism for the acid-catalyzed hydration of this alkene.

Answer 1

The acid-catalyzed hydration of an alkene involves the addition of a water molecule to the double bond of the alkene.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acid-catalyzed hydration of an alkene involves the addition of a water molecule to the double bond of the alkene. Here is the step-by-step mechanism:

1. The alkene reacts with an acid catalyst, typically sulfuric acid (H2SO4), to form a carbocation intermediate.
2. A water molecule acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbocation, forming an oxonium ion.
3. Another water molecule removes a proton from the oxonium ion, resulting in the formation of an alcohol.

This reaction is called hydration because a water molecule is added to the alkene, forming an alcohol.