Classify each hydrocarbon as an alkane, alkene, or alkyne. a. HC≡CH

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Identify the type of hydrocarbon based on the type of carbon-carbon bonds present in the molecule.

Recall that an alkane contains only single bonds (C–C), an alkene contains at least one double bond (C=C), and an alkyne contains at least one triple bond (C≡C).

Look at the given molecule HC≡CH, which shows a triple bond between the two carbon atoms.

Since the molecule contains a carbon-carbon triple bond, classify it as an alkyne.

Confirm that the molecule is ethyne (commonly known as acetylene), which is the simplest alkyne.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrocarbon Classification

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are classified based on the types of bonds between carbon atoms: alkanes have only single bonds, alkenes contain at least one double bond, and alkynes have at least one triple bond.

Alkyne Structure and Properties

Alkynes are hydrocarbons characterized by a carbon-carbon triple bond (≡). This triple bond affects the molecule's geometry, making it linear around the bond, and influences its chemical reactivity, often making alkynes more reactive than alkanes and alkenes.

Molecular Formula Interpretation

Interpreting molecular formulas and structural notations like HC≡CH helps identify the type of hydrocarbon. The presence of '≡' indicates a triple bond between carbons, signaling that the compound is an alkyne, specifically ethyne in this example.