Identify the major product for the following reaction:

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is the acid-catalyzed hydration of an alkene. The reaction proceeds via an electrophilic addition mechanism following Markovnikov's rule. Protonation of the exocyclic double bond in methylenecyclopentane occurs at the terminal CH₂ group to form the more stable tertiary carbocation (1-methylcyclopentyl cation). Nucleophilic attack by water on this tertiary carbocation, followed by deprotonation, yields 1-methylcyclopentanol as the major product. Option (C) represents 1-methylcyclopentanol.