Question

Write the mechanism by hydration of ethene to yield ethanol

Answer 1

1.Ethene undergoes electrophilic attack by the hydronium ion to form a carbonation intermediate. Addition of a proton occurs on a doubly bonded carbon in such a way that a more stable carbocation is formed.

2. Nucleophilic attack by water occurs on the carbocation to form a protonated alcohol.

3. The protonated alcohol loses a proton to form the corresponding alcohol.