Definition of Acid Catalyzed Hydration

Acid-catalyzed hydration is a chemical reaction in which the hydrogen and the hydroxyl group are added to the two carbons which are sharing a double bond (alkene). This reaction takes place in the presence of a strong acid such as sulphuric acid H2SO4 and is also known as electrophilic hydration. This chemical process is the reverse of the dehydration reaction of alcohol. When the alcohols are dehydrated, they form unsaturated hydrocarbons like alkenes.

The electrophilic hydrogen present in the reaction is used in the breaking of the double bond present in the alkene. Hence, this reaction is employed in the manufacturing of alcohols that are used as fuels and other reagents.