Question

Which of the following alcohols is prepared by acid catalysed hydration of alkenes?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Methanol
• C. Propan-1-ol
• D. Butan-1-ol

Hint:

Acid catalysed hydration of alkenes generally gives Markovnikov alcohols.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding acid catalysed hydration.
Acid catalysed hydration of alkenes involves the addition of water across the double bond in the presence of an acid catalyst such as $\mathrm{H_2SO_4}$. This reaction generally follows Markovnikov’s rule.

Step 2: Application to ethene.
When ethene undergoes acid catalysed hydration, water adds across the double bond to form ethanol as the product.

Step 3: Analysis of other options.
Methanol is not prepared by hydration of alkenes. Propan-1-ol and butan-1-ol are not obtained directly by acid catalysed hydration due to rearrangement and Markovnikov addition leading to secondary alcohols instead.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (A) Ethanol.