Question

Alkenes and alkynes are characterized by their ability to undergo rapid, complete _____ reactions, by which other atoms attach themselves to the carbon atoms of the double or triple bond.

Short answer

Alkenes and alkynes are characterized by their ability to undergo rapid, complete addition reactions, by which other atoms attach themselves to the carbon atoms of the double or triple bond.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Alkenes and Alkynes

Alkenes and alkynes are types of hydrocarbons containing carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C) and triple bonds (C≡C), respectively. These compounds are known for their reactivity due to the presence of these multiple bonds.

Identify the Reaction Type

The type of reaction that we are looking for is a reaction where other atoms can quickly and completely attach themselves to the double or triple bond in alkenes and alkynes. The reaction that fits this description is the "addition reaction."

Define Addition Reactions

In an addition reaction, the double or triple bond of an alkene or alkyne breaks, and new atoms are added to the carbon atoms that were previously bonded together. This process occurs rapidly and can involve various types of atoms or molecules, depending on the specific reaction conditions.

Provide the final answer

Based on the analysis and steps discussed above, we can complete the exercise statement: "Alkenes and alkynes are characterized by their ability to undergo rapid, complete addition reactions, by which other atoms attach themselves to the carbon atoms of the double or triple bond."

Key concepts

Alkenes

Alkenes are a fascinating type of hydrocarbon that contain carbon-carbon double bonds, represented by the chemical notation \(C=C\). These double bonds make alkenes more reactive than single-bonded hydrocarbons, such as alkanes. This reactivity comes from the fact that the double bond can easily break and participate in chemical reactions.

Alkenes are found in various places, such as in the food industry to create scents and flavors. They are also used significantly in the production of plastics like polyethylene. The presence of a double bond means that alkenes can undergo addition reactions, which make them very useful in industrial processes.

• They can quickly react with hydrogen in a process called hydrogenation.
• They can also react with halogens like chlorine or bromine.
• This allows for the creation of new substances through a simple addition to the double bond.

Understanding these characteristics of alkenes helps in grasping how they are utilized in both everyday products and large-scale industrial applications.

Alkynes

Alkynes, another category of hydrocarbons, are known for their even higher reactivity compared to alkenes. This is because they contain carbon-carbon triple bonds, denoted as \(C\equiv C\). The triple bond, characterized by its linearity and strength, makes alkynes uniquely reactive.

Alkynes are essential in various chemical industries, including the production of synthetic textiles and pharmaceuticals. Acetylene, a well-known alkyne, is used as a fuel in welding torches due to its high combustion temperature. Addition reactions also play a significant role here.

• Alkynes easily react with hydrogen, turning into alkenes first, and then into alkanes.
• They also readily combine with halogens and other groups, providing a pathway to further chemical transformations.
• The high reactivity associated with the triple bond is what makes alkynes so versatile in chemical synthesis.

Knowing the behavior of alkynes in these reactions helps chemists design processes to create more complex molecules from simpler ones.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are fundamental organic compounds composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These can be classified into different categories based on the type of bonding between carbon atoms. The three main types include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, each distinct based on the number of bonds between carbon atoms.

Hydrocarbons are the building blocks of many materials and resources that we use every day.

• Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds \((\text{C-C})\).
• Alkenes have at least one double bond \((\text{C=C})\), leading to increased reactivity.
• Alkynes possess one or more triple bonds \((\text{C}\equiv\text{C})\), which make them highly reactive.

Each type of hydrocarbon has its unique properties and reactivity pattern. This is crucial for understanding how they can be transformed into various chemicals and materials through reactions like addition. By realizing these differences and reactions, one can appreciate the diverse utility of hydrocarbons in both natural ecosystems and human industries.