Question

Identify the nucleophile that attacks the carbocation in the second step of acid catalysed hydration of alkenes?

• A. $O{H}^{–}$
• B. $H_{2}O$
• C. $H^{+}$
• D. $H_3{O}^{+}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $H_{2}O$

Nucleophiles are electron rich species that attack the part of the structure that is electron deficient. In this step, the $H_{2}O$ nucleophile attacks the carbocation forming a protonated alcohol.The mechanism involves three steps.
Step-1: Formation of Carbocation​
Step-2: Attack of Nucleophile​
Step-3: Deprotonation to form an alcohol​