|  | Chapter 9 : Alkynes |  | 
| Qu 1: | The π bond in an alkene is given by : C=C - C-C | 
| 611 kJ/mol 
      (146 kcal/mol) - 368 kJ/mol (88 kcal/mol) = 243 
      kJ/mol (58 kcal/mol) | |
| The second π bond in an alkyne is given by : C≡C - C=C | |
| 820 kJ/mol 
      (196 kcal/mol) - 611 kJ/mol (146 kcal/mol) = 209 kJ/mol (50 
      kcal/mol) This indicates that it should be recognised that the extra π bond in an alkyne is a weaker bond than the p bond in an alkene. | |
| Qu 2: | Consider the following points about the reaction of 2-butyne with HBr | 
| (a) Since the reaction gives predominantly the 2-bromo-2-butene, the product must be less reactive than the alkyne starting material otherwise a mixture the mono-bromide and the dibromide would be formed. | |
| (b)   Protonation of 2-bromo-2-butene gives a secondary carbocation regardless of which of the two C get protonated. However, since the only product is 2,2-dibromobutane, the intermediate must be that from the carbocation with the +ve charge formed adjacent to the bromine. This can be justified by considering the resonance stabilising influence the bromine can provide. | |
| Qu 3: | The final product is 2-butyne. | 
| The steps are: (i) propene to 1,2-dibromopropane (addition) then (ii) elimination to propyne, a terminal alkyne, and (iii) removal of the terminal H gives the carbanion which undergoes an SN2 with the methyl iodide forming a new CC bond. | |
| Qu 4: | The major products are: | 
| (a) 1-pentyne   | |
| (b) 2-pentyne   | 
|  | © Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry |  |