[afweaser]

I have a question regarding the effect of solvent vs. intramolecular attack on a compound. For example, if you have a secondary carbocation and it is attached to a string of 2 carbons and at the end is a hydroxyl group, will the hydroxyl group attack the carbocation and form a ring structure, or will a water molecule from the aqueous acidic solvent attack the carbocation and the compound will end up with two hydroxyl groups? Thanks so much.

[nj_bartel]

A good general rule is that intramolecular forces take place faster than intermolecular forces, so the ring would probably be favored.

[afweaser]

Is that true even if the molecule is surrounded by lots of aqueous solvent?

[nj_bartel]

I just learned that as a general rule - I'm not sure what exceptions apply.