Question

Write the structure of the product for the reaction:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{C} \equiv \text{CH} \xrightarrow{\text{Hg}^{2+}, \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{C}(\text{OH})\text{CH}_3 \]

Hint:

The mercury(II) ion in combination with sulfuric acid catalyzes the addition of water across a triple bond, resulting in the formation of an alcohol.

Answer 1

In this reaction, the mercuric ion (\(\text{Hg}^{2+}\)) with sulfuric acid (\(H_2SO_4\)) catalyzes the hydration of the alkyne to form an alcohol. The product of the reaction is propan-2-ol. \[ \text{CH}_3\text{C} \equiv \text{CH} \xrightarrow{\text{Hg}^{2+}, \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{C}(\text{OH})\text{CH}_3 \]