When styrene is treated with a sulfonic acid catalyst (RSO₃H) in cyclohexane solvent, an alkene X (C₁₆H₁₆) is formed that is slowly transformed into isomeric compounds Y and Z (Fig. P16.56). Provide a curved-arrow mechanism for the formation of Y and Z, which should include a structure for alkene X.

Transcribed Image Text:

2 -CH=CH₂ styrene Figure P16.56 RSO₂H RSO3H [X] (C16H16) Y CH3 Ph N CH3 Ph