The ratio between the molar mass of an alkene(A) and an alkyne(B) with the same number of carbon atoms is 1.05. Find the molecular formulas of the two hydrocarbons then write the reaction for how we can obtain the alkene A from the alkyne B.

We start by remembering the general formulas of alkenes and alkynes:
Alkenes - CnH2n
Alkynes - CnH2n-2
We calculate the molar mass of both of these using the fact that the atomic mass of carbon is 12 and for hydrogen 1 :
 μA=12n+2n=14n grams/mole
 μB=12n+2n-2=14n-2 grams/mole
The ratio then becomes:
μ/ μB=1.05
14n / 14n - 2 = 1.05
14n =(14n - 2) * 1.05
14n = 14.7n - 2.1
14.7n - 14 = 2.1
0.7n = 2.1
n = 3
Therefore, our hydrocarbons are:
A = C3H6 - propene  
B = C3H4 - propyne
The reaction to obtain propene from the propyne is:
CH≡C-CH3 + H2 --Ni---> CH2=CH-CH3
The reaction is a hydrogenation one and the condition needed for it Nickel.

CB
Answered by Cosmin B. Chemistry tutor

9657 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does temperature affect the position of equilibrium if the reaction is exothermic?


What does ‘aromatic’ mean?


What is chirality/optical isomerism?


What is periodicity?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning