Can Base Catalysts be Used for Hydration Reactions?
Base catalysts, such as hydroxides or alkoxides, can also catalyze hydration reactions. They work by deprotonating water to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻), which are more nucleophilic and can attack electrophilic unsaturated compounds more effectively. However, base-catalyzed hydration reactions are less common compared to acid-catalyzed ones because they often require stronger conditions and can lead to side reactions.
