Question

What type of compound is ethyne?

Answer 1

Ethyne (common name acetylene) is a hydrocarbon, i.e. it is built from only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Explanation:

The gross formula is `C_2H_2`. There is a triple bond between the two carbon atoms, each having one valency left for the hydrgen atoms:

`H-C-=C-H`

Since the triple bond prevents rotation, the ethyne molecule is linear.

It is very reactive: the triple bond can open up for addition reactions.
It is also unstable, and the ethyne (acetylene) used for welding and cutting burners has to be dissolved in acetone.