Hexynes

Hexynes are a group of organic compounds with the chemical formula C6H10. They are alkynes, which means they contain at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. The "hexy-" prefix indicates that there are six carbon atoms in the molecule. Because the triple bond can be located at different positions within the six-carbon chain, there are several isomers of hexynes.

The possible positions for the triple bond result in two main structural isomers: hexyne-1 (also known as 1-hexyne) and hexyne-2 (also known as 2-hexyne). Hexyne-1 has the triple bond between the first and second carbon atoms, while hexyne-2 has the triple bond between the second and third carbon atoms. There is also hexyne-3 (3-hexyne), where the triple bond is symmetrically located between the third and fourth carbon atoms, but this is chemically identical to hexyne-2 due to symmetry. The naming convention reflects the lowest possible number for the triple bond.

Hexynes are generally colorless liquids with distinct odors. Like other alkynes, they are unsaturated hydrocarbons and undergo addition reactions across the triple bond. These reactions can include hydrogenation, halogenation, and hydration, leading to the formation of alkenes or alkanes, as well as other functionalized compounds. Due to the presence of the triple bond, hexynes are more reactive than their corresponding hexenes or hexanes. They are typically prepared through dehydrohalogenation of dihaloalkanes or by coupling reactions.