Question Detail

CHM 102 Electronic Theory in Organic Chemistry Objective Question
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Question

Why is acetylene (HC≡CH) more acidic than ethylene (H₂C=CH₂) or ethane (CH₃CH₃)?
Options
A sp hybridized carbon is more electronegative, stabilizing the conjugate base
Correct Answer
B Acetylene has more hydrogens
C Acetylene is larger
D Acetylene has no π bonds
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

The sp hybridized carbon of acetylene has 50% s-character, making it more electronegative, so the acetylide ion (HC≡C⁻) is more stable than ethyl or vinyl anions, increasing acidity.

Hint

Higher s-character = more stable conjugate base.

Question Info

Course: CHM 102
Topic: Electronic Theory in Organic Chemistry
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 701 of 1999
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