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.

Answered by Cosmin B. Chemistry tutor

8021 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the pH of 0.1M Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH). Ka = 6.3x10-5 M


Describe why phenol reacts more readily with bromine than benzene does.


Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine


State how you would test a solution for the presence of sulfate ions? Explain, using an ionic equation, what you would expect to observe in the presence of sulfate ions.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy