Question

Identify the nucleophile that attacks the carbocation in the second step of acid catalysed hydration of alkenes?

(a) OH^–

(b) H2O

(c) H^+

(d) H3O^+

I got this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.

My doubt is from Alcohols and Phenols topic in section Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) H2O

To elaborate: Nucleophiles are electron rich species that attack the part of the structure that is electron deficient. In this step, the H2O nucleophile attacks the carbocation forming a protonated alcohol.