Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Alkene Structure
Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). Their structure is crucial for understanding reactivity, as the double bond is a site for electrophilic attack. The position and substitution of the double bond influence the products formed during reactions, such as hydration.
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Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Acid-catalyzed hydration is a reaction where an alkene reacts with water in the presence of an acid catalyst, typically sulfuric acid. This process involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate, which can lead to Markovnikov or anti-Markovnikov addition of water, depending on the stability of the carbocation formed. Understanding this mechanism is essential for predicting the alcohol products.
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Markovnikov's Rule
Markovnikov's Rule states that in the addition of HX (where X is a halogen or OH) to an alkene, the hydrogen atom will attach to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms already attached. This principle helps predict the major product of acid-catalyzed hydration, guiding the formation of the more stable alcohol from the alkene.
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