Introduction to Chemical Formulae
Organic Chemistry | Alkanes | Alkenes | Alkynes | Alkanols
Alkanoic acids | Esters | Alkanals | Alkanones | Further information

Introduction to Alkynes

Alkynes are very reactive hydrocarbons. This is due to their carbon-carbon triple bond. This can easily break to allow the alkyne to react.

Structure of Alkynes

Alkynes can be drawn in a similar way to alkenes. However, instead of a carbon-carbon double bond being drawn, a carbon-carbon triple bond is drawn and sufficient hydrogens removed. For example, the alkyne containing three carbon atoms is drawn as shown below:

Naming Alkynes

Alkynes are named in a similar way to alkenes. However, instead of ene, yne is used. Therefore, the compound shown above is propyne.

Reactions of Alkynes

Alkynes react in a similar way to alkenes, although instead of a carbon-carbon double bond being broken, a carbon-carbon triple bond is broken.