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Hydration of Alkenes
(review of Chapter 6)

hydration of alkenes
Reaction type: Electrophilic Addition

Summary

Related Reactions
MECHANISM FOR REACTION OF ALKENES WITH H3O+
Step 1:
An acid / base reaction. Protonation of the alkene to generate the more stable carbocation.  The p electrons act pairs as a Lewis base.
addition of H2O to C=C
Step 2:
Attack of the nucleophilic water molecule on the electrophilic carbocation creates an oxonium ion.
Step 3:
An acid / base reaction. Deprotonation by a base generates the alcohol and regenerates the acid catalyst.

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organic chemistry © Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary