CH2=CH2  + H2O + H+ --> What is the major product of the above reaction?Group of answer choicesCH3-COOHCH3-CH3CH3-CH2-OHCH3-CHO

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the reactants: ethylene (CH₂=CH₂), water (H₂O), and an acid catalyst (H⁺).
2. Determine the reaction type: acid-catalyzed hydration of an alkene.

Relevant Concepts

3. In acid-catalyzed hydration of alkenes, the double bond reacts with water in the presence of an acid to form an alcohol.
4. The addition follows Markovnikov's rule, which states that the hydrogen atom from the acid adds to the carbon atom with the greater number of hydrogen atoms.

Analysis and Detail

5. The ethylene molecule (CH₂=CH₂) will undergo hydration:
   • The H⁺ from the acid protonates one of the double-bonded carbon atoms.
   • Water (H₂O) then adds across the double bond, leading to the formation of an alcohol.
6. Applying Markovnikov's rule, the major product will result from the addition of H to the carbon with more hydrogen atoms, and OH to the carbon with fewer hydrogen atoms.

Verification and Summary

7. The major product of the reaction CH₂=CH₂ + H₂O + H⁺ is CH₃-CH₂-OH (ethanol).

Final Answer

The major product is CH₃-CH₂-OH (ethanol).