Preparation of alcohols from alkenes involves the electrophilic attack on alkene carbon atom. Explain its mechanism.


Preparation of alcohols from alkenes involves the electrophilic attack on alkene carbon atom. The mechanism of this reaction involves the following three steps:

Step 1) Protonation of alkene and formation of carbocation



Here, carbocation formation takes place by the electrophilic attack of H30+ on alkene carbon atom and water molecule is released.


STEP 2) Nucleophilic attack of water



Step 3) Deprotonation occurs and an alcohol is formed. H30+ is released.



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