In the mechanism for the acid-catalyzed hydration of alkenes to form alcohols, what is the specific — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the first step of the acid-catalyzed hydration mechanism, the hydronium ion ($H_3O^+$) provides an electrophilic proton. The loosely held pi electrons of the alkene attack this electrophile, resulting in the formation of a carbocation intermediate.