Hydration Reaction
The addition of water across a multiple bond or the incorporation of water into a crystal lattice.
Formula / equation
C=C + H₂O → C(OH)–CH
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
In organic chemistry acid-catalysed hydration of an alkene follows Markovnikov's rule, placing the hydroxyl on the more substituted carbon. In inorganic chemistry hydration describes the solvation of ions by water and the formation of hydrated salts, both strongly exothermic processes.
Examples in the real world
Ethene plus steam over phosphoric acid giving industrial ethanol; anhydrous CuSO₄ hydrating to blue CuSO₄·5H₂O.