Identify the role of H ₃ O ⁺ in the following reaction:

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is the acid-catalyzed hydration of an alkene (methylenecyclohexane) to form an alcohol (1-methylcyclohexanol). The mechanism involves the following steps: 1. Protonation of the alkene: The double bond attacks the electrophilic proton from H₃O^+ , forming a stable tertiary carbocation (1-methylcyclohexyl cation) and a water molecule. 2. Nucleophilic attack: A water molecule acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbocation, forming a protonated alcohol (oxonium ion). 3. Deprotonation: Another wate