Treatment of buta-$$1,3$$-diyne with $$NaNH_2$$ ($$2$$ equivalents), followed by reaction with excess of trans-$$CH_3\text{-}CH\!=\!CH\text{-}CH_2\text{-}Br$$ gives $$\mathbf{X}$$ as the major product. The maximum number of carbon atoms that are collinear (in a straight line) in $$\mathbf{X}$$ is ___.
Alkynes contain a carbon-carbon triple bond, making them the most unsaturated simple hydrocarbons and capable of two sequential addition reactions. Their unique acidity and diverse reaction chemistry make them a consistent presence in JEE Organic Chemistry. The chapter covers nomenclature and isomerism, the preparation of alkynes (from dihalides and by dehydrohalogenation), the structure and geometry of the triple bond, the acidic character of terminal alkynes and their reactions with sodium and heavy metal ions, electrophilic addition and its sequential nature, Markovnikov's rule in addition to alkynes, hydrogenation using Lindlar's catalyst versus Na/liquid NH3, ozonolysis, and the addition of HCN and water (Baeyer's reagent). JEE Main tests addition reactions, the acidic nature of terminal alkynes, and preparation. Practise topic-wise questions on JEE Chemistry Questions to apply alkyne reactions accurately.
Hydrocarbons – Alkynes Topic Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic Name | Hydrocarbons – Alkynes |
| Subject | Chemistry – Organic |
| JEE Main Weightage | ~2–3% (1 question on average) |
| JEE Advanced Weightage | ~2–3% (mechanism and selectivity) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Important Concepts | Acidic Character, Electrophilic Addition, Hydrogenation (Lindlar vs Na/NH3), Ozonolysis |
| Recommended Practice Level | Moderate – attempt 55+ mixed problems |
Why Practice JEE Hydrocarbons – Alkynes Questions?
- Reliable weightage: Contributes around 1 question in JEE Main consistently.
- Acidic character: The unique acidity of terminal alkynes is a direct and tested concept.
- Hydrogenation selectivity: Lindlar vs Na/liquid NH3 giving cis vs trans alkenes is frequently tested.
- Sequential addition: The step-by-step addition to alkynes gives distinctive intermediate products.
- Preparation reactions: Dehydrohalogenation of dihalides is a standard tested reaction.
- GOC application: Alkyne acidity reasoning applies sp hybridisation and inductive effects from GOC.
- Links to alkenes: Alkynes reduce to alkenes as intermediates, connecting both chapters.
Important Concepts and Subtopics
| Concept | Importance | Difficulty Level | Frequently Asked In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomenclature and Isomerism | Moderate | Easy | JEE Main |
| Preparation of Alkynes | High | Moderate | JEE Main |
| Acidic Character of Terminal Alkynes | Very High | Moderate | JEE Main and Advanced |
| Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes | Very High | Moderate | JEE Main and Advanced |
| Hydrogenation: Lindlar and Na/liq NH3 | Very High | Moderate | JEE Main and Advanced |
| Ozonolysis of Alkynes | High | Moderate | JEE Main |
| Addition of Water (Baeyer's Reagent) | High | Moderate | JEE Main |
| Addition of HCN and Dimerisation | Moderate | Moderate | JEE Advanced |
Preparation Strategy for JEE Hydrocarbons – Alkynes
Concept learning: Begin with the structure of the triple bond and IUPAC nomenclature. Learn the preparation methods from vic- and gem-dihalides. Study the acidic character of terminal alkynes and the reactions that follow. Then master the addition reactions, paying special attention to the selective hydrogenation reactions that control the stereochemistry of the double bond produced.
Formula revision: Keep the dehydrohalogenation preparation, the Lindlar and Na/NH3 hydrogenation products, the hydration (Baeyer) product for terminal alkynes, and the ozonolysis product types together for quick review. Organised JEE Study Material helps you compile these reactions systematically for fast revision alongside the Alkenes chapter.
Problem-solving techniques: For acidic character, connect it to the high s-character of the sp-hybridised carbon, which stabilises the carbanion. For hydrogenation selectivity, choose Lindlar for cis alkene and Na/NH3 for trans alkene. For hydration of terminal alkynes, apply Markovnikov's rule to give the methyl ketone product.
Common mistakes: Forgetting that Lindlar gives cis and Na/NH3 gives trans alkene, errors in the hydration product of terminal versus internal alkynes, and incomplete understanding of the sequential nature of addition.
Exam strategy: Solve direct hydrogenation and acidic-character questions first, then tackle addition and ozonolysis product-identification problems.
JEE Main and Advanced Weightage Analysis
| Exam | Average Questions | Expected Marks |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main | 1 | 4 |
| JEE Advanced | 0–1 (mechanism and selectivity) | 0–4 |
Alkynes contributes around 1 question in JEE Main and may appear in mechanism and selectivity questions in JEE Advanced.
Tips to Solve Alkynes Questions Faster
- Use Lindlar's catalyst for partial hydrogenation to the cis (Z) alkene.
- Use Na in liquid NH3 for partial hydrogenation to the trans (E) alkene.
- Terminal alkynes are more acidic than alkenes and alkanes due to the high s-character of the C-H bond.
- Hydration of terminal alkynes with H2O and H2SO4/HgSO4 gives a methyl ketone.
- For ozonolysis, alkynes give carboxylic acids or carbon dioxide depending on substitution.
- In sequential addition, the first addition typically follows Markovnikov's rule to give a vinyl halide.
Reinforce these with a timed JEE Mock Test to build the alkyne reaction and product-identification fluency this chapter rewards.


