Organic Chemistry MCAT Practice Exam

The expected product of an alkene undergoing hydration is an alcohol. This reaction typically occurs through the addition of water (H₂O) across the double bond of the alkene in the presence of an acid catalyst. During this process, the more stable carbocation is formed, and the nucleophilic hydroxyl group from water attacks the carbocation, resulting in the formation of an alcohol.

When an alkene is hydrated, the double bond between carbon atoms is transformed into a single bond, and the hydroxyl group (-OH) is introduced onto one of the carbons, while a hydrogen atom is added to the other carbon. This transformation is crucial in organic synthesis as it allows for the conversion of alkenes, which are often less stable and reactive compounds, into more stable alcohols that can further undergo various reactions or serve as solvents, fuel additives, and in pharmaceutical applications.

The other products listed, such as an alkane, aldehyde, or carboxylic acid, do not directly result from the hydration process of an alkene and typically require different reaction conditions or pathways. Thus, the formation of an alcohol is the definitive outcome of the hydration reaction executed on an alkene.