Final answer:
Among the given options for acid-catalyzed hydration of alkenes, the fastest rate is expected from an alkene with electron-withdrawing groups. These groups help stabilize the carbocation intermediate which accelerates the hydration reaction, whereas steric hindrance and bulky substituents would impede the reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking which alkene is likely to exhibit the fastest rate of acid-catalyzed hydration at 25 degrees Celsius among the given options. During the hydration of alkenes, a water molecule is added to a C=C double bond to form an alcohol, with the reaction being catalyzed by a strong acid such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which acts as a catalyst.
The rate of acid-catalyzed hydration of alkenes is influenced by several factors, including steric hindrance and electronic effects. Steric hindrance refers to the resistance that atoms in a molecule provide to the reagent approaching the reactive center, in this case, the carbon atoms of the alkene C=C bond.
High steric hindrance and the presence of bulky substituents slow down the reaction rate because they physically impede the approach of the water molecule and the acid catalyst to the alkene.
On the other hand, electron-withdrawing groups can stabilize the carbocation intermediate formed during the mechanism, which can increase the rate of the reaction. The length of the carbon chain itself is less directly influential on the rate unless it contributes to steric hindrance or electronic effects.
Considering these factors, an alkene with electron-withdrawing groups would be expected to hydrate more quickly because such groups will stabilize the carbocation intermediate and facilitate the reaction, as opposed to alkene structures with high steric hindrance or bulky substituents that would slow the process.
Therefore, the correct answer to which alkene exhibits the fastest rate of hydration is c) Alkene with electron-withdrawing groups.