Question

Identify the major products ‘A’ and ‘B’ for the following reactions:

• A. A: \( \text{CH}_2 = \text{CH}_2 \), B: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \)
• B. A: \( \text{CH}_2 = \text{CH}_2 \), B: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OCH}_3 \)
• C. A: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2 \), B: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OCH}_3 \)
• D. A: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2 \), B: \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{O} \)

Hint:

In reactions with alkene and sulfuric acid, the hydration typically follows Markovnikov’s rule, where the proton adds to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The reaction involves an alkene (\( \text{CH}_2 = \text{CH}_2 \)) undergoing hydration in the presence of sulfuric acid. This is a typical electrophilic addition reaction, where the alkene undergoes protonation, followed by nucleophilic attack by water to form the alcohol.
1. The alkene, \( \text{CH}_2 = \text{CH}_2 \), reacts with \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \) (sulfuric acid), leading to the formation of an alkyl hydrogen sulfate intermediate.
2. The intermediate then undergoes hydrolysis, leading to the formation of ethanol, \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \).
Thus, the major product ‘A’ is \( \text{CH}_2 = \text{CH}_2 \), and the major product ‘B’ is \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \).