Propyne is heated with H2O in the presence of HgSO4 and dilute H2SO4. The major product is

JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3hc081

Propyne is heated with $H X_{2} O$ in the presence of $HgSO X_{4}$ and dilute $H X_{2} SO X_{4}$ . The major product is

Hg(II)-catalysed hydration is Markovnikov, giving the enol

CH X_{3} - C (OH) = CH X_{2}

. This enol tautomerises to the ketone, propanone. Propanal would need anti-Markovnikov (hydroboration) conditions.