Which of the following alkenes will undergo a carbocation rearrangement when reacting with H₂O in the presence of a small amount of H₂SO₄? A)Only I and II B)Only I and III C)Only II and III D)I,II,and III

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbocation rearrangement occurs when a more stable carbocation can be formed in the course of the reaction. This happens because the more stable carbocation intermediate leads to a lower energy transition state during the reaction.

Out of the given options, only II and III have a possibility of undergoing carbocation rearrangement. In option I, there is no possibility of carbocation rearrangement as the intermediate carbocation is already the most stable one.

Option II has a secondary carbocation intermediate, which can undergo a 1,2-hydride shift to form a more stable tertiary carbocation intermediate. Thus, a carbocation rearrangement is possible in this case.

Option III has a primary carbocation intermediate, which can undergo a 1,2-methyl shift to form a more stable secondary carbocation intermediate. Thus, a carbocation rearrangement is possible in this case.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Only II and III have the possibility of undergoing carbocation rearrangement.

Which of the Following Alkenes Will Undergo a Carbocation Rearrangement