Chapter 14.12, Problem 14.22P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The mechanism steps for the epoxidation and hydrolysis of the $trans-\text{but}-2-\text{ene}$ and the product of the same reaction with $cis-\text{but}-2-\text{ene}$ is to be predicted.

Concept introduction: Steps for writing a correct mechanism are shown below.

• The atoms that contain double bond or those containing cations act as electrophiles.
• The atoms with lone pair act as nucleophiles.
• Identify the electrophiles site in the given compound.
• Draw the arrow starting from the correct site and ending at the correct site.

To determine: The mechanism for the epoxidation and ring-opening steps of the epoxidation and hydrolysis of $trans-\text{but}-2-\text{ene}$ and the product of the same reaction with $cis-\text{but}-2-\text{ene}$ reaction.