The product(s)of the following reaction
A)I
B)II
C)III
D)IV
E)None of these choices.

Question

The product(s)of the following reaction 
A)I 
B)II 
C)III 
D)IV 
E)None of these choices.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given reaction is the reaction of Alkene with Hg(OAc)₂ and H₂O, which is a classic oxymercuration-demercuration reaction. This reaction involves the addition of Hg²⁺ and OAc⁻ to the double bond of the alkene in the first step to form an intermediate mercurinium ion. In the second step, water attacks the mercurinium ion to form an alcohol, and the mercury is removed by reduction with NaBH₄. Therefore, the product III (an alcohol) is formed, and hence the correct answer is C) III. The other options I, II, and IV do not represent any products formed in this reaction.

The Product(s)of the Following Reaction