Question

Trans-5,6-epoxydecane undergoes acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. What is the product of the hydrolysis reaction?

a) 5,6-dihydroxydecane
b) 5,6-epoxydecane
c) 5,6-diol
d) Decane

Answer 1

The hydrolysis of trans-5,6-epoxydecane results in the formation of 5,6-dihydroxydecane, also known as 5,6-diol, due to the addition of hydroxyl groups at the position of epoxide opening.

Step-by-step explanation:

When trans-5,6-epoxydecane undergoes acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, the epoxide ring opens up and two hydroxyl (OH) groups add to the molecule at the carbons where the epoxide was present. Hence, the product of the hydrolysis reaction is 5,6-dihydroxydecane, which can also be referred to as a 5,6-diol since it has two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms (at positions 5 and 6).