Which method is commonly used to synthesize alcohols from alkenes?

The synthesis of alcohols from alkenes is efficiently achieved through the hydroboration-oxidation method. This technique involves two main steps: first, the hydroboration step, where the alkene reacts with diborane (B2H6) to form an organoborane intermediate. This reaction adds boron to the less substituted carbon of the alkene, following Markovnikov's rule in reverse, leading to anti-Markovnikov alcohol products.

In the second step, oxidation, the organoborane is treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which converts the boron into a hydroxyl group, ultimately resulting in the formation of an alcohol. This method efficiently produces alcohols in a stereospecific manner and is especially favorable for synthesizing primary alcohols from alkenes.

Other methods mentioned, while they can produce alcohols, do not specifically highlight the typical pathways from alkenes in the same direct manner as hydroboration-oxidation. Dehydration refers to the conversion of alcohols into alkenes, not the other way around. Hydration followed by oxidation implies multiple steps that may not be as efficient for straightforward alkene to alcohol conversions.