Final answer:
Treating ethyne with KMnO₄/H₂O results in the formation of carboxylic acids due to the powerful oxidation of the alkyne triple bond by potassium permanganate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When ethyne is treated with KMnO₄/H₂O, the product(s) obtained are carboxylic acids. Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) in the presence of water is a strong oxidizing agent that can oxidize various organic compounds. For example, primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes, and then further to carboxylic acids, while secondary alcohols are typically oxidized to ketones. Ethyne (acetylene), being an alkyne, undergoes a powerful oxidative reaction with KMnO₄ resulting in the cleavage of the triple bond and formation of two carboxylic acid molecules.
In general, when considering the oxidation of organic compounds, the placement of the carbonyl group becomes important: A carbonyl group at an end carbon atom signifies an aldehyde, while on an interior carbon, it indicates a ketone. Aldehydes are more readily oxidized to carboxylic acids compared to ketones, which do not undergo further oxidation under similar conditions.