Question Detail

CHM 102 Alkynes: Structure, Bonding, and Nomenclature Objective Question
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Question

Which of the following bases is strong enough to deprotonate a terminal alkyne (pKa ≈ 25)?
Options
A NaOH (pKa of H2O = 15.7)
B NaHCO3 (pKa of H2CO3 = 6.4)
C NaNH2 (pKa of NH3 ≈ 38)
Correct Answer
D CH3COONa (pKa of CH3COOH = 4.76)
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Sodium amide (NaNH2) has a conjugate acid NH3 with pKa ≈ 38, which is higher than 25, so it can deprotonate terminal alkynes. NaOH (pKa 15.7) cannot.

Hint

A base can deprotonate an acid if its conjugate acid has a higher pKa.

Question Info

Course: CHM 102
Topic: Alkynes: Structure, Bonding, and Nomenclature
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 205 of 1999
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