MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is the acid-catalyzed hydration of an alkene. Step 1: The electrophile H^+ from the acid attacks the double bond of 1-methylcyclohexene. According to Markovnikov's rule, protonation occurs at the less substituted carbon (C2) to form the more stable tertiary carbocation at the C1 position (1-methylcyclohexyl cation). Step 2: A water molecule acts as a nucleophile and attacks the tertiary carbocation, forming an oxonium ion intermediate. Step 3: Deprotonation of the oxonium ion yields the final product, 1-methylcyclohexanol. The structure of 1-methylcyclohexanol matches the second option. Answer: