Ethyne

Definition

Ethyne, also known as acetylene, is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C$_2$H$_2$. It is a colorless, flammable gas with a distinctive odor and is widely used in various industrial and commercial applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethyne has a linear molecular structure with a carbon-carbon triple bond and two hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon.
2. The carbon-carbon triple bond in ethyne is formed by the overlap of two sp-hybridized orbitals on each carbon atom.
3. Ethyne is used as a fuel in welding and cutting torches due to its high energy content and ability to produce high temperatures when burned.
4. Ethyne is also used as a precursor in the production of various organic compounds, such as plastics and rubber.
5. Ethyne is a key component in the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Review Questions

• Explain the hybridization of the carbon atoms in the ethyne molecule and how this relates to its linear structure.
  • The carbon atoms in the ethyne molecule are sp-hybridized, meaning each carbon atom has three sp-hybridized orbitals and one unhybridized p-orbital. The sp-hybridized orbitals form the sigma (σ) bonds between the carbon atoms and the hydrogen atoms, while the remaining p-orbitals overlap to form the carbon-carbon triple bond. This sp-hybridization and the resulting linear arrangement of the atoms give ethyne its characteristic linear molecular structure.
• Describe the role of ethyne in the context of hydrocarbon chemistry and its applications.
  • As the simplest alkyne, ethyne is an important building block in organic chemistry and the petrochemical industry. Its carbon-carbon triple bond makes it a highly reactive compound that can undergo various addition and substitution reactions, allowing for the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. Ethyne's high energy content and ability to produce high temperatures when burned make it a valuable fuel for welding and cutting torches. Additionally, ethyne is used as a precursor in the production of many pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other industrially important chemicals.
• Analyze the relationship between the structure and reactivity of ethyne, and how this influences its applications in the context of valence bond theory and hybrid atomic orbitals.
  • The unique structure of ethyne, with its carbon-carbon triple bond formed by the overlap of sp-hybridized orbitals, is directly responsible for its high reactivity and diverse applications. The triple bond in ethyne is highly polarized, making the carbon atoms susceptible to nucleophilic addition reactions. This reactivity, combined with the linear geometry of the molecule, allows ethyne to participate in various organic transformations and serve as a versatile building block in the synthesis of more complex organic compounds. Furthermore, the sp-hybridization of the carbon atoms in ethyne, as described by valence bond theory, contributes to its linear structure and the stability of the carbon-carbon triple bond, which is crucial for its use as a fuel and a chemical precursor.

Related terms

Alkyne: Alkynes are a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons with a carbon-carbon triple bond, of which ethyne is the simplest example.

Hybridization: Hybridization is the concept in which atomic orbitals of an atom mix to form new hybrid orbitals, which are used to describe the bonding in molecules.

Combustion: Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when a fuel, such as ethyne, reacts with an oxidizing agent, typically oxygen, to release energy in the form of heat and light.