-1
$\begingroup$

Mechanism of ethene hydration

Given above is the mechanism that I drew but my textbook puts it a bit differently. It says that the ethene is dissovled in the concentrated $\ce{H2SO4}$ to form ethyl hydrogen sulphate $\ce{CH3-CH2OSO3H}$ which when diluted with water reacts to form ethanol and the acid $$\ce{CH3CH2OSO3H + H-OH -> CH3CH2OH + H2SO4}$$ So which mechanism is true?

|improve this question
$\endgroup$
  • $\begingroup$ I think that the first mechanism occurs when a solution of sulphuric acid in water is reacted with ethene. The second mechanism occurs if you first add conc. H2SO4 to ethene, and then add water. I am not fully sure, though. I will answer if I get a reference to back my claim. $\endgroup$ – Shoubhik Raj Maiti Dec 3 '17 at 9:09
-1
$\begingroup$

Firstly hydration of alkene is equilibrium process.

When there is excess of water then water attacks directly therefore Et-HSO4 forms in less amount. If acid is concentrated the Et-HSO4 formation is more likely.

|improve this answer
$\endgroup$
  • $\begingroup$ So both happen? $\endgroup$ – Sillysack Buttowski Dec 4 '17 at 13:27
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, in beaker every possible reaction occurs, difference in rate arises from kinetics and thermodynamics. $\endgroup$ – tejasvi88 Dec 5 '17 at 16:33
  • $\begingroup$ Which one would take place at the most significant rate in terms of product formation and reaction rate? $\endgroup$ – Sillysack Buttowski Dec 8 '17 at 14:17

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.