The alkynes are family of unsaturated hydrocarbons, containing one or more triple bonds between carbon atoms in
the molecule. The monoalkynes contain one such triple bond, and have the general formula CnH2n−2.
The triple bond of the alkynes makes them more reactive than the alkanes. Surprisingly, the alkynes are somewhat less
reactive than the alkenes on the whole, because they are more kinetically stable than the alkenes. Apart from this difference,
the chemistry of the two groups is generally very similar indeed.
Some simple alkynes
Structure of triple bond:
Alkynes can be described by the condensed formula R–C
≡ C–R where R may be an alkyl group or H. The simplest member of this homologous series (putting, n = 2) has the
molecular formula C2H2. The triple bond present in alkynes – C ≡ C – is the functional
group for alkynes. In ethyne (or in Alkyne in general), the triple–bonded carbon atoms exhibit sp hybridization. Therefore,
ethyne molecule is a linear molecule. There are 3σ – bonds and 2 π – bonds in a molecule of ethyne. Alkynes
are named by replacing the suffix “ane” of the parent hydrocarbon by “yne”.