A computer program predicts the product formed when alkene X, C3H6\text{C}_3\text{H}_6C3H6, reacts with steam over a phosphoric acid catalyst.
The carbon atoms are numbered 1, 2 and 3 along the carbon chain.
| Property | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C3H8O\text{C}_3\text{H}_8\text{O}C3H8O |
| Bond between carbon 1 and carbon 2 | single bond |
| Bond between carbon 2 and carbon 3 | double bond |
| Other bonds from carbon 2 | one single bond to H and one single bond to O in an -OH\text{-OH}-OH group |
Use atom conservation to explain why the predicted molecular formula could be correct.
Evaluate whether the predicted bonding could be correct.