Fill in the missing organic product or reactant for the following hydration reactions:


(a) <IMAGE>

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of reaction: This is a hydration reaction, which typically involves the addition of water (H₂O) to an alkene to form an alcohol.
2. Determine the structure of the alkene: Since the image is missing, assume a generic alkene structure, such as R-CH=CH₂, where R represents an alkyl group.
3. Apply Markovnikov's rule: In hydration reactions, the hydrogen atom from water will add to the carbon with the most hydrogen atoms already attached, and the hydroxyl group (OH) will add to the other carbon.
4. Draw the structure of the alcohol product: Based on the application of Markovnikov's rule, the product will be R-CH(OH)-CH₃.
5. Verify the reaction conditions: Ensure that an acid catalyst, such as H₂SO₄, is present to facilitate the hydration reaction.

Key Concepts

Hydration Reactions

Hydration reactions involve the addition of water to a compound, typically an alkene, resulting in the formation of alcohols. This process is crucial in organic chemistry as it transforms unsaturated hydrocarbons into more functionalized products. Understanding the mechanism of hydration, including the role of catalysts and the conditions under which these reactions occur, is essential for predicting the products formed.

Markovnikov's Rule

Markovnikov's Rule states that in the addition of HX (where X is a halogen or OH) to an alkene, the hydrogen atom will attach to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms already attached. This principle helps predict the major product of hydration reactions, guiding chemists in determining the structure of the resulting alcohol. Recognizing this rule is vital for accurately filling in missing reactants or products in chemical equations.

Reaction Mechanism

A reaction mechanism outlines the step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions that occur during a chemical transformation. In hydration reactions, understanding the mechanism helps in identifying intermediates, such as carbocations, and the transition states involved. This knowledge is crucial for predicting the outcome of the reaction and for understanding how different conditions can affect the product distribution.