Which product is formed when ethyne hydrates under typical conditions?

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Multiple Choice

Which product is formed when ethyne hydrates under typical conditions?

Hydration of a terminal alkyne under mercuric sulfate catalysis proceeds by Markovnikov addition of water, giving a vinyl alcohol that tautomerizes to a carbonyl compound. For ethyne, the water adds to form the enol CH2=CHOH, which quickly tautomerizes to CH3CHO (acetaldehyde). This is why the product is acetaldehyde. Hydration of alkenes would give ethanol, highlighting the difference between alkene and alkyne hydration.

Hydration of a terminal alkyne under mercuric sulfate catalysis proceeds by Markovnikov addition of water, giving a vinyl alcohol that tautomerizes to a carbonyl compound. For ethyne, the water adds to form the enol CH2=CHOH, which quickly tautomerizes to CH3CHO (acetaldehyde). This is why the product is acetaldehyde. Hydration of alkenes would give ethanol, highlighting the difference between alkene and alkyne hydration.

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