Question

In the acid-catalyzed hydration reaction, which of the following ions are intermediates in the accepted mechanism for this process?

A) H3O⁺ and OH⁻
B) H⁺ and HSO₄⁻
C) H₂O⁺ and H₂O⁻
D) H⁺ and OH⁻

Answer 1

In an acid-catalyzed hydration reaction, the intermediates are the hydronium ion (H3O+) and the hydrogen sulfate ion (HSO4−), thus the answer is B) H+ and HSO4−.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the acid-catalyzed hydration reaction, the correct ions that are intermediates in the accepted mechanism for this process are H3O+ (hydronium ion) and HSO4− (hydrogen sulfate ion). Sulfuric acid is used as the acid catalyst, which donates a proton (H+) to the alkene, leading to the formation of a carbocation intermediate and HSO4−. A water molecule then acts as a nucleophile, adding to the carbocation. Finally, another water molecule removes a proton from the protonated alcohol, generating the alcohol product and a hydronium ion (H3O+). Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is (B) H+ and HSO4−.