Q.Identify the main product of the reaction.
HC-triple bond-CH + H2O --40% H2SO4, 1% HgSO4-->

Alkynes undergo the same broad family of addition reactions as alkenes -- hydrogenation, halogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydration -- but because a triple bond has two pi bonds to saturate, each addition typically occurs TWICE. Halogens (Cl2, Br2) add in two stages via a 1,2-dihaloalkene intermediate, finishing at a 1,1,2,2-tetrahaloalkane. Hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr, HI; reactivity order HI > HBr > HCl) likewise add twice, each addition following Markovnikov's rule, ending at a geminal dihalide (both halogens on the same carbon). Water adds in the presence of 40% H2SO4 and 1% mercuric sulfate (HgSO4) catalyst, forming an unstable enol that instantly …