3 min read•Last Updated on May 7, 2024
Alkynes pack a punch when it comes to acidity. Their terminal hydrogen is more acidic than other hydrocarbons, thanks to the sp-hybridized carbon. This unique structure allows strong bases to easily snatch that hydrogen, forming acetylide anions.
The acidity of hydrocarbons follows a clear trend: alkynes > alkenes > alkanes. This pattern stems from orbital hybridization, with more s-character leading to greater stability in the resulting anions. Understanding these principles is key to predicting reactivity in organic reactions.