It is an electrophilic addition reaction of an unsymmetrical reagent to a double bond.

The cyclohexene first forms an intermediate carbocation which then reacts with water to form the protonated cyclohexanol.

The cyclohexyl carbonium ion also reacts with the hydrogen sulfate ion to form cyclohexyl hydrogen sulfate.

When water and heat are added to the reaction mixture during the first distillation (steam distillation) the protonated cyclohexanol and the cyclohexyl hydrogen sulfate are converted to cyclohexanol, the reaction product.