Question
Why do alkynes undergo electrophilic addition reactions ?
Solution
The electrophilic addition reactions take place in alkynes due to the presence of high electron density in the triple bond. This means that – C ≡ C – can act as a source of electrons. There are certain reagents (electrophiles) which are capable of adding to alkyne molecules forming an addition compound. Since such reactions are initiated by the electrophiles and hence are known as electrophilic addition reactions.
The addition product further reacts with E-Nu (attacking reagent) to form addition product i.e. alkane derivative.
Mechanism:
The electrophilic addition gets repeated and alkene derivative changes to alkane derivative.
The addition product further reacts with E-Nu (attacking reagent) to form addition product i.e. alkane derivative.
Mechanism:
The electrophilic addition gets repeated and alkene derivative changes to alkane derivative.
