In the reaction sequence, X and Y respectively are:
- X = 2-butene
- Y = 1-butene
The reaction is an example of an alkene epoxidation, which is a reaction in which an alkene is converted to an epoxide. The epoxidation reaction is typically carried out using a peroxyacid, such as peracetic acid, as the oxidizing agent.
In the reaction sequence, the alkene (2-butene) is first protonated by the hydronium ion (H3O+). This protonation makes the alkene more electrophilic, which makes it more susceptible to attack by the peroxyacid. The peroxyacid attacks the alkene at the carbon-carbon double bond, forming an epoxide intermediate. The epoxide intermediate is then hydrolyzed by water, forming the corresponding alcohol (1-butene).
The following is a diagram of the reaction sequence:
The correct answer is A.