Textbook Question
Predict the product(s) that would result when the following molecules are allowed to react under the following conditions: (v) H2O. If there is no reaction, write 'no reaction.'
(a)
10. Addition Reactions
Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
3:25 minutesProblem 8.39d
Textbook Question
Provide the expected product for the reaction of each of the following alkenes with H₂SO₄ and H₂O.
(d) 
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the alkene in the given structure. The double bond is located at the end of the carbon chain attached to the cyclopentane ring.
Understand that the reaction involves the addition of H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) and H₂O (water), which is an acid-catalyzed hydration reaction.
Recognize that the mechanism follows Markovnikov's rule, where the hydrogen atom (H⁺) from H₂SO₄ will add to the carbon with the most hydrogen atoms already attached, and the hydroxyl group (OH⁻) will add to the other carbon of the double bond.
Determine the more stable carbocation intermediate that forms during the reaction. In this case, the carbocation will form on the carbon adjacent to the cyclopentane ring, as it will be more stable due to hyperconjugation and inductive effects.
Add the OH group to the carbon that forms the more stable carbocation, resulting in the final product where the double bond is replaced by a single bond, and an OH group is attached to the carbon adjacent to the cyclopentane ring.
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Video duration:
3mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electrophilic Addition
Electrophilic addition is a fundamental reaction mechanism in organic chemistry where an electrophile reacts with a nucleophile, typically involving alkenes. In the case of alkenes reacting with H₂SO₄, the double bond acts as a nucleophile, attacking the electrophilic sulfur atom, leading to the formation of a carbocation intermediate.
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Carbocation Stability
Carbocation stability is crucial in determining the outcome of reactions involving alkenes. More stable carbocations, such as tertiary carbocations, are favored over less stable ones. The stability is influenced by factors such as hyperconjugation and inductive effects from surrounding alkyl groups, which can affect the product distribution in acid-catalyzed hydration.
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Markovnikov's Rule
Markovnikov's Rule states that in the addition of HX 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 the reaction when alkenes react with H₂SO₄ and H₂O, guiding the formation of the more stable alcohol product.
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