Chemical Properties of Alkynes
Acidic nature
Chemical properties of alkynes, they are slightly acidic nature. Alkynes are slightly electronegative in nature. The triply bonded carbon atoms in alkynes are $$sp$$ hybridized. So when we react a strong base like $$NaNH_2$$ with ethyne, we will get sodium acetylide and liberated $$H_2$$ gas.
$$HC ≡ CH+Na\rightarrow CH \equiv C^-Na^++1/2H_2$$
Addition Reactions
Under suitable conditions (temperature and pressure) alkynes will undergo hydration reactions quite easily. Alkynes will react with halogens, hydrogen and other such elements to give a saturated compound as a product. Since they have a triple bond, two atoms of $$H_2$$ or halides or halogens can be added to its structure.
1] Addition of Dihydrogen
The reaction occurs in presence of a catalyst such as Nickel or Platinum or Palladium. Here the addition of hydrogen to the alkyne gives us an alkene.
$$C_3H_4(g)+2H_2(g)\rightarrow C_3H_8(g)$$
2] Addition of Halogens
When alkynes and halogens like Bromine react, halogen will add itself to the structure of the alkynes and result in halogen substituted alkenes. The resulting product will be tetra bromopropane.
3] Addition of Water
Just like other hydrocarbons (alkanes and alkenes) alkynes also do not react with a water molecule. This is called immiscibility. But if alkynes is bubbled through dilute sulphuric acid (about 40%) in presence of the catalyst mercuric Sulphate, then a reaction occurs. The products will be carbonyl compounds, and such a reaction can be called a hydration reaction.
4] Polymerization
Alkynes can undergo linear and cyclic polymerization under suitable conditions. They polymerize to give compounds that have a higher molecular weight than the original alkyne. Like for example, ethyne will polymerize to give polyacetylene or polyethene (of higher molecular weight), This is an example of linear polymerization.
For cyclic polymerization, high temperatures and the presence of a catalyst is required. Like passing ethyne through a red-hot iron tube at a minimum of $$877K$$ which gives benzen