During the acid-catalyzed addition of alcohols to aldehydes, what is the primary role of the hydrogen ion in the first step?
Q1. During the acid-catalyzed addition of alcohols to aldehydes, what is the primary role of the hydrogen ion in the first step?
Answer: Increasing electrophilic character of carbon
Explanation: Acid catalysis involves protonating the oxygen to increase the electrophilic character of the carbonyl carbon. Base catalysis increases the nucleophile's power.