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Which base is strong enough to completely deprotonate 1-octyne (remove an H+)?

a. NaF
b. NaOH
c. NH3
d. NaNH2
e. CH3NH2

User Zdtorok
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1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Sodium amide (NaNH2) is the strongest base among the provided options and is capable of completely deprotonating 1-octyne due to its high affinity for protons. Option d.

Step-by-step explanation:

To deprotonate 1-octyne, a strong base is required that can remove an H+ ion from the acetylenic hydrogen, which has a pKa of around 25. This requires a base with a greater affinity for protons. Among the given options, NaNH2 (sodium amide) is the strongest base capable of deprotonating 1-octyne.

Sodium amide exists as an amide anion (NH2-) in solution, which is strong enough to deprotonate alkyne molecules.

Comparing the other options:

NaF - It is a weak base and cannot deprotonate 1-octyne effectively.

NaOH - While it is a strong base, it is not strong enough to fully deprotonate 1-octyne.

NH3 - Ammonia is a weak base and is unable to deprotonate 1-octyne.

CH3NH2 - Methylamine, like ammonia, is a weak base and also cannot deprotonate 1-octyne.

Therefore, option d. NaNH2 is correct as it is strong enough to completely remove an H+ from 1-octyne, resulting in an anion with a pKa of 38. The reaction between a strong base such as NaNH2 and 1-octyne is represented by:

R-C≡CH + NH2− → R-C≡C− + NH3

Option d.

User Updogliu
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