1-Methoxy-2-propyl acetate MOPA can be synthesized from propene oxide and methanol using an acid catalyst. Here is a detailed stepwise reaction mechanism for the synthesis:Step 1: Protonation of propene oxideThe acid catalyst e.g., H2SO4 or HCl donates a proton H+ to the oxygen atom of the propene oxide, making it more electrophilic and susceptible to nucleophilic attack.Propene oxide + H+ Protonated propene oxideStep 2: Nucleophilic attack by methanolMethanol, acting as a nucleophile, attacks the electrophilic carbon atom of the protonated propene oxide. This results in the opening of the epoxide ring and the formation of a new carbon-oxygen bond.Protonated propene oxide + CH3OH 1-Methoxy-2-propanol + H2OStep 3: Protonation of 1-Methoxy-2-propanolThe hydroxyl group of 1-Methoxy-2-propanol is protonated by the acid catalyst, making it a better leaving group.1-Methoxy-2-propanol + H+ Protonated 1-Methoxy-2-propanolStep 4: Nucleophilic attack by acetate ionAn acetate ion CH3COO- acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbon atom of the protonated 1-Methoxy-2-propanol, displacing the water molecule as a leaving group.Protonated 1-Methoxy-2-propanol + CH3COO- 1-Methoxy-2-propyl acetate + H2OOverall, the reaction mechanism involves the protonation of propene oxide, nucleophilic attack by methanol, protonation of the resulting alcohol, and finally, nucleophilic attack by the acetate ion to form 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate MOPA .