Which of the following hydrocarbons undergo addition reactions: C₂H₆, C₃H₈, C₃H₆, C₂H₂ and CH₄.
Out of the given hydrocarbons, C₃H₆ and C₂H₂ undergo addition reactions. These compounds are known as unsaturated carbon compounds because they contain double or triple bonds between the carbon atoms.
The provided text states that compounds with double or triple bonds are more reactive than saturated compounds. The reaction equation demonstrates that compounds with double bonds undergo addition reactions in the presence of a catalyst.
In contrast, CH₄, C₂H₆, and C₃H₈ are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds. The context indicates that these are fairly unreactive and inert, undergoing substitution reactions rather than addition reactions.
Explanation
The answer is derived by classifying the compounds based on the context provided. C₃H₆ (Propene) and C₂H₂ (Ethyne) are identified as unsaturated due to the presence of double or triple bonds (mentioned in the context regarding alkenes and ethyne). The context explicitly states that unsaturated carbon compounds are more reactive and shows a reaction for double-bonded compounds (addition). Conversely, CH₄, C₂H₆, and C₃H₈ are listed in the table with single bond structures (saturated), and the text states they are unreactive and undergo substitution reactions.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the bonding nature of each hydrocarbon from the context. CH₄, C₂H₆, and C₃H₈ are listed with single bonds (saturated), while C₃H₆ and C₂H₂ are identified as unsaturated (double/triple bonds).
Step 2: Apply the reactivity rules from the text. The text states unsaturated compounds are more reactive and shows addition reactions for double bonds.
Step 3: Conclude that C₃H₆ and C₂H₂ undergo addition reactions, while the saturated hydrocarbons undergo substitution.