Final answer:
The reaction of ethene with H₂SO₄ involves the process of hydration, where H₂O adds to the C=C double bond of ethene to form ethanol. The reaction occurs in multiple steps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction of ethene with H₂SO₄ involves the process of hydration. In this reaction, H₂O acts as a nucleophile and adds to the C=C double bond of ethene, resulting in the formation of ethanol. The reaction occurs in multiple steps.
Step 1: Protonation of H₂O - H₂SO₄ acts as an acid catalyst and donates a proton to H₂O, generating H₃O⁺.
Step 2: Addition of H₂O to the C=C double bond - The lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom of H₃O⁺ attacks the electron-deficient carbon atom in ethene, leading to the formation of a carbocation intermediate.
Step 3: Deprotonation - Another water molecule removes the acidic proton from the carbocation, resulting in the formation of ethanol.