Question

Alkanes undergo __________ reactions whereas alkynes give___________reaction.

• A. free radical substitution, electrophilic addition
• B. electrophilic substitution, nucleophilic substitution
• C. nucleophilic addition,electrophilic substitution
• D. electrophilic addition, free radical substitution

Answer 1

The correct option is A free radical substitution, electrophilic addition

$\text{Alkanes undergo free radical substitution whereas alkynes}$

$\text{give electrophilic addition reactions.}$

Alkanes are already stable due to the present of $\sigma$ bonds and absence of any $\pi$ bonds. Hence they are more suitable for substitution reactions.

Alkynes on the other hand, contain $\pi$ - bonds which makes them less stable. Therefore, they tend to convert those $\pi$ bonds into $\sigma$ bonds, hence they undergo electrophilic addition reactions.