CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
Hydrogenation of ethyne (acetylene), C₂H₂, to ethene, C₂H₄, occurs on a metal catalyst surface in a single elementary step that adds one equivalent of H₂.
C₂H₂ + H₂ → C₂H₄
Consider the structural changes that occur at the carbon atoms during this reaction.
(a) Identify the hybridization state of each carbon atom in ethyne.
(b) Identify the hybridization state of each carbon atom in ethene.
(c) Using idealized values, calculate the change in the H–C–C (or C–C–H) bond angle that accompanies conversion of ethyne to ethene.
(d) Discuss how the change in hybridization you have identified affects both the number and type of covalent bonds and the relative bond energies between the two molecules.