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The product P in the reaction CH3CCHHg2+,H2SO4PCH_3-C \equiv CH \xrightarrow{Hg^{2+}, H_2SO_4} P is:

A

Propanal

B

Propanone

C

Propanoic acid

D

Propan-2-ol

Step-by-Step Solution

The reaction of alkynes with water in the presence of mercuric sulphate (HgSO4HgSO_4) and dilute sulphuric acid (H2SO4H_2SO_4) at 333 K is known as hydration of alkynes.

  1. Mechanism: Water adds to the triple bond according to Markovnikov's rule. The negative part of the addendum (OHOH^-) attaches to the carbon with fewer hydrogen atoms (C2C-2 in propyne).
  2. Intermediate: An unstable enol intermediate (CH3C(OH)=CH2CH_3-C(OH)=CH_2) is formed.
  3. Tautomerization: The enol rapidly tautomerizes to the more stable keto form, which is Propanone (Acetone, CH3COCH3CH_3-CO-CH_3).

CH3CCH+H2OHg2+/H+[CH3C(OH)=CH2]CH3COCH3CH_3-C \equiv CH + H_2O \xrightarrow{Hg^{2+}/H^+} [CH_3-C(OH)=CH_2] \rightleftharpoons CH_3-CO-CH_3

Note: Only ethyne yields an aldehyde (ethanal) under these conditions; all other alkynes yield ketones.

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