Question

The first step of the acid catalysed hydration of alkenes, involves the protonation of alkene to form a carbocation by electrophilic attack of _______

(a) H^+

(b) H2O

(c) H3O^+

(d) OH^–

I have been asked this question in examination.

Origin of the question is Alcohols and Phenols in division Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) H3O^+

For explanation: The water reacts with the H^+ ion of the mineral acid to form a hydronium ion (H3O^+). This ion attacks the carbon double bond to form a carbocation and give a water molecule.