The reaction mechanism for the acid-catalyzed hydration of 2-butene to form 2-butanol is as follows:1. Protonation of the alkene: In the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid H2SO4 , the alkene 2-butene reacts with the acid to form a carbocation intermediate. The double bond of the alkene attacks a proton H+ from the acid, resulting in the formation of a more stable carbocation.2-butene + H+ 2-butyl carbocation2. Nucleophilic attack by water: The carbocation intermediate formed in the first step is highly electrophilic. A water molecule acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbocation, forming a new bond with the positively charged carbon atom.2-butyl carbocation + H2O oxonium ion intermediate3. Deprotonation: The oxonium ion intermediate formed in the second step is unstable due to the positive charge on the oxygen atom. Another water molecule acts as a base and abstracts a proton H+ from the oxonium ion, resulting in the formation of the final product, 2-butanol, and a hydronium ion H3O+ .oxonium ion intermediate + H2O 2-butanol + H3O+Overall, the reaction mechanism involves the formation of two intermediates: the 2-butyl carbocation and the oxonium ion intermediate. The acid-catalyzed hydration of 2-butene follows a three-step mechanism involving protonation, nucleophilic attack, and deprotonation.