Question

Conversion of propene to propan-2-ol?

Answer 1

Markovnikov's rule:

• Markovnikov’s rule is known as an empirical rule which is used to predict the regioselectivity of electrophilic addition reactions of alkenes and alkynes.
• It states that, in the addition reaction of an unsymmetrical alkene, the nucleophilic part of the reactant, reacts on that Carbon atom of the unsaturated system, which bears the greater number of Hydrogen atoms.

Conversion of Propene to Propan-2-ol:

• The conversion of Propene to Propan-2-ol can be explained using Markovnikov's rule.
• Propene in presence of acid and water produces propan-2-ol.
• When Propene undergoes a reaction with water in the presence of an acid as a catalyst, we obtain the Markovnikov's product, Propan–2–ol.
• The reaction for the conversion can be given as;

• The mechanism for the above reaction can be given as :

Step 1: Formation of 2◦ carbonation:
In this step, the propene reacts with a hydronium ion to generate a 2◦ carbonation:

Step 2: Formation of protonated alcohol :

In this step 2◦ carbocation reacting with the water mole generating a protonated alcohol:

Step 3: Formation of Propan-2-ol:
In this step protonated alcohol reacts with the water molecule generating the product Propan-2-ol.

Hence, the Conversion of Propene to Propan-2-ol has been explained above.