The second-order rate constant (in units of M-1s-1) for acid-catalyzed hydration at 25 °C is given for each of the following alkenes:
a. Calculate the relative rates of hydration of the alkenes. (Hint: Divide each rate constant by the smallest rate constant of the series: 3.51 × 10-8.)
b. Why does (Z)-2-butene react faster than (E)-2-butene?
c. Why does 2-methyl-2-butene react faster than (Z)-2-butene?
d. Why does 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene react faster than 2-methyl-2-butene?