Question

30 multiple choice 2 points which of the following intermediates is thought to occur in the mechanism by which alkenes are hydrated in the presence of acid? free radical carbanion carbocation carbene previous

Explanation:

In the acid - catalyzed hydration of alkenes, the first step is the protonation of the alkene double bond. This protonation leads to the formation of a carbocation intermediate. The carbocation is then attacked by water (the nucleophile) to form an oxonium ion, which finally loses a proton to give the alcohol product. Free radicals are involved in radical - based reactions (e.g., free - radical halogenation), carbanions are negatively charged carbon species (not formed in this acid - catalyzed hydration mechanism), and carbenes are neutral, highly reactive species with a divalent carbon atom (not intermediates in alkene hydration). So, the intermediate in acid - catalyzed alkene hydration is a carbocation.

Answer:

C. carbocation