Alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with triple bonds from "summary" of Organic Chemistry by John E. McMurry
Alkynes are a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons characterized by the presence of at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. In comparison to alkanes and alkenes, alkynes contain fewer hydrogen atoms. The triple bond consists of one sigma bond and two pi bonds, resulting in a linear geometry and sp hybridization of the carbon atoms involved in the bond. The presence of triple bonds in alkynes leads to distinctive chemical properties, including high reactivity towards addition reactions. The pi bonds in alkynes are relatively weak compared to sigma bonds, making them susceptible to attack by electrophiles. This reactivity allows alkynes to participate in a variety of transformations, such as hydrogenation, hydration, and halogenation. Additionally, alkynes exhibit acidic character due to the presence of a hydrogen atom bonded to a carbon adjacent to the triple bond. This hydrogen atom can be easily abstracted by a strong base, leading to the formation of an acetylide ion. The acetylide ion is a versatile nucleophile that can participate in substitution reactions, making alkynes valuable synthetic intermediates. The physical properties of alkynes are influenced by the presence of the triple bond. Alkynes generally have lower boiling points than alkanes and alkenes of similar molecular weight, due to weaker intermolecular forces resulting from the linear geometry of the triple bond. However, alkynes are slightly more soluble in organic solvents than alkanes, as the presence of the triple bond increases the polarity of the molecule.- Alkynes represent an important class of organic compounds with unique structural and chemical properties. The triple bond in alkynes imparts distinct reactivity and physical characteristics, making them valuable building blocks in organic synthesis and industrial applications.
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