Question
Give simple chemical test for the distinction of:
(i) Propyne and propane
(ii) But-1-yne and But-2-yne.
Solution
(i) Propyne and propane: Add a cold, dilute alkaline KMnO4 solution to each compound and shake it well. Propyne will decolourise the pink colour of KMnO4 while propane does not.
(iii) But-1-yne and But-2-yne: Add few drops of an ammoniacal solution of silver nitrate to each compound and warm. But-1-yne will give white precipitate while but-2-yne does not.
